A YOUNG TALENT FOR FÀBREGAS

Como’s transfer campaign shows no signs of slowing down. Having already signed Croatian starlet Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb, the club has made another strategic future-orientated signing. The Biancoblù are employing a clear and direct strategy: betting on young, technical, and ambitious players who are still on their way to a full breakthrough, yet already able to excel in a modern and expressive form of the game that mirrors Fàbregas’ tactical vision A strategy that reflects the ambition of owner Mirwan Suwarso, who is keen to cement his role in Italian football through targeted investments and a cohesive vision for the long term. Como’s rise continues driven by talent.

WHO IS JESÚS RODRÍGUEZ, THE NEW COMO WINGER

Born on 21 November 2005 in Seville, Jesús rose through the youth ranks to join Real Betis Balompié’s B team during the 2023/2024 season, playing in the Spanish fourth tier. He immediately made his mark, acquiring seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances, and played a pivotal role in the play-offs, netting three decisive goals that secured promotion. He continued to impress in the following season with two additional goals and two assists across twelve matches, gaining himself the attention of Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean head coach gradually promoted him to the first team, in Copa del Rey and Conference League matches to begin with, before fully bringing him into the senior rotation from 2025 onwards. Rodríguez spent his first professional season as a backup to the regular starter Abde Ezzalzuouli, making 21 appearances in La Liga with two goals and one assist, and scoring his first international goal in the quarter-finals of the Conference League against Jagiellonia.

WHAT CAN RODRÍGUEZ BRING TO COMO: DRIBBLING AND FLAIR

Rodríguez’s signature skill is undoubtedly his dribbling. Original but never limiting, he can glide past a row of defenders thanks to his blistering pace and meticulous ball control. Jesús is not a typical touchline winger, he prefers to cut inside with the ball, gaining numerical superiority, finding new angles to pass from, and setting his teammates up for opportunities. A versatile player who brings valuable tactical flexibility, Rodríguez is the ideal left winger that fits in with Fàbregas’ footballing philosophy. The Catalan coach hopes to integrate him into the polished technical-tactical framework that has already elevated players like Nico Paz and Assane Diao. With a powerful shot from mid-range and a gift for scoring, Rodríguez has everything it takes to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Spaniards on the banks of Lake Como. All that’s left now is to sit back and enjoy the show. (Photo X Como 1907 + Getty Images)