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Part of a trio made up of Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, who both are two-time Ballon d’Or winners, Patri’s work at the base of Spain’s – and Barcelona’s – midfield often goes unnoticed.<\/p>\n
But the 27-year-old “runs the show” according to Corsie, who added: “She’s the one… you see she starts everything, she controls the tempo, she chooses when they settle the game down.”<\/p>\n
Spain boss Montse Tome said she believes Patri is the “best player in her position”.<\/p>\n
“It’s not an easy position because it’s not well recognised from the outside and I believe her personality, she is humble, she is a hard worker and this means Aitana [Bonmati], Alexia [Putellas], Vicky [Lopez], Mariona [Caldentey] and [Claudia] Pina play more freely and Patri is key for that.”<\/p>\n
Asked about Tome’s comments, Patri said: “I feel super happy and super proud knowing the coach said that about me.<\/p>\n
“For the game model we have, midfielders have to participate because then everything flows and the team feels confident.”<\/p>\n
As well as setting the pace and freeing up space for her team-mates, Patri proved she’s got an eye for goal, with a drilled finish giving Spain the lead against Italy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n