Who is Guido Rodriguez? The Real Betis midfield star chased by Man Utd

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 6 Nov 2023 13:28 GMT

Guido Rodriguez, Real Betis — © ProShots

Guido Rodriguez could be set for a sensational move to the Premier League in 2024, with Manchester United reportedly tracking his progress at Real Betis.

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The midfielder has been one of Betis' best players ever since his move to the club in 2020, but despite transfer interest the following year, Rodriguez has remained put at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.

However, he has shown enough that elite teams around Europe are sniffing around with the aim of making him a transfer priority at the conclusion of the season.

His contract at Betis does expire in 2024, meaning several elite clubs are beginning to take notice. But, who is he?

What position does Guido Rodriguez play in?

Rodriguez plays as a defensive midfielder for Betis, and this can see him be deployed just in front of his defence, or slightly further forward in midfield, though still remaining deep.

How good is Guido Rodriguez?

Rodriguez may be viewed as somewhat of a late bloomer given he only made the move from South America to Europe aged 26.

However, he did not require an adaption period and made an immediate impact at Betis when he joined in January 2020.

Touch, 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆! 💚@Guido_Rodriguez 🤍#LALIGAHighlights | #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/peSJ09wEw3
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 28, 2023

The Argentine played a key role in their survival that season and has gone from strength to strength since then.

He has been one of La Liga's best defensive midfielders for several years, yet he has snuck under the radar since an excellent first 12 months at Betis.

In 2021, Seville-based journalist Javier Macias spoke about Rodriguez and said: "The central element of this Betis team is Rodríguez.

“A pivot that’s closer to a broom than a footballer, he sweeps up everything and ensures that nothing happens in the space behind him. He’s the garbage truck that cleans the field and leaves the bins full.

“His physicality enables him to cover both sides of the pitch, stealing the ball all over, and with each performance, his distribution is becoming better and more effective.”

Rodriguez remains a fulcrum of Betis' starting XI and he has been a reliably-consistent performer ever since his transfer from Club America in 2020. His raw defensive numbers are always elite, but he isn't the best in possession.

The central element of this Betis team is Rodriguez

- Seville-based journalist Javier Macias in 2021

However, given the excess of ball-playing midfielders in world football, Rodriguez's profile as a pure defensive midfielder is one that stands out.

What clubs are interested in Guido Rodriguez?

In 2021, Mundo Deportivo reported that Liverpool and Arsenal both looked into the possibility of signing the Argentine and were considering activating his reported release clause of €80 million.

However, neither club ended up pursuing a deal due to Betis' asking price for the Argentine midfielder.

Now, Manchester United are also interested in signing Rodriguez. He is available on a free transfer in 2024 and Fichajes have reported the Red Devils are keen on landing his services on a Bosman deal.