There’s always that one player who instantly brings countless qualities to mind. Trinity Rodman proudly falls into this category. Since her debut as a teenager, she has consistently made strides in the women’s game. It’s no wonder her presence in the NWSL has been so impactful, with her Washington Spirit boss, Jonatan Giraldez, describing her as a ‘high-profile player.’

This comes from a very coach who used to manage revered names of the women’s game and 2X Ballon d’Or winners, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, during his successful years at FC Barcelona Femeni, also one of the greatest clubs. So we would like to hear how it feels for Giraldez to coach a starlet like Rodman, who is yet to explore her untapped potential.

“She has some differential physical conditions that I honestly hadn’t seen,” began Jonatan during an exclusive chat with the AS. “She has the ability to accelerate when she’s sprinting, that is, change her pace in full flight. She’s a high-profile player and often used to sell the NWSL,” added the 33-year-old tactician, who finished second behind Emma Hayes earlier in the nominations for the Women’s Coach of the Year award.

While skills and goal-scoring abilities are one aspect, what makes the daughter of basketball icon Dennis Rodman different from the others is also her ingenious nature off the pitch. “She’s very media savvy and always attentive to the fans, who always stays at the end of the game. That also attracts people and here in the United States, it’s very important,” added Giraldez.

Notably, Rodman played a clinical role throughout the season for the Spirits and under Giraldez, who had joined around late June. The 22-year-old recorded 8 goals and 6 assists in 26 matches, helping the Spirit secure a second-place finish in the NWSL regular season with 56 points. They narrowly missed the Shield by just 4 points, finishing behind the Pride, who claimed the league title with 60 points.

Though Giraldez and Co. had also missed their chance to secure the NWSL Championship around a couple of weeks ago, the Spanish tactician still believes the Spirits were the better side in the final.

Trinity Rodman and Co. were a ‘better’ side, claims Jonathan Giraldez

The Spirit’s boss emphasized that his team dominated every aspect of the game. However, a decisive strike from the opposing team’s star, Barbra Banda, in the 37th minute proved to be the difference, denying the Washington, D.C.-based side the chance to lift the NWSL Championship. “For me, we were better in the final,” began Jonatan in the same interview.

“Obviously it’s no consolation, but in terms of the number of chances, the game plan… the way the game went, we deserved the victory. So, now, it’s time to accept defeat as part of the process,” added the former FC Barcelona Femeni boss, eventually making his peace over the unfortunate final defeat.

Despite the defeat, the stats highlighted their dominance. While the winning team managed just 9 shots with 3 on target, held 42% possession, and completed 276 passes, the Spirit registered an impressive 26 shots (5 on target), maintained 58% possession, and completed 374 passes.

Nevertheless, the manager’s guidance was instrumental in Trinity Rodman and her teammates securing a second-place finish in the 2024 NWSL season. Looking ahead, Giraldez’s side remains optimistic, determined to claim the top spot in the next campaign.