New York, June 19 -- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has described criticism of captain Rodri as "insulting" following Spain's surprising 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

The draw leaves all four teams in Group H level on one point, setting up a tightly contested battle for qualification ahead of Sunday's fixtures.

"It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world. Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn't dare," de la Fuente told Cadena COPE radio, as per ESPN.

Luis de la Fuente described Rodri as the best player in the world, saying that even when not at his best, he remains superior to most midfielders. De la Fuente praised Rodri's visio...