Stuttgart midfielder 'doesn't like' Rodri comparisons and hails Joshua Kimmich as example to follow as youngster addresses Real Madrid return talk

Having spent a measly €3 million for 50 per cent of Chema's rights over the summer, Stuttgart have seen the the Spanish wonderkid make rapid strides since he joined from Real Madrid. What initially seemed like a bargain has proven to be an even greater value, with Chema now a regular feature in head coach Sebastian Hoeness' plans. The Madrid academy graduate has played in eight of Stuttgart's 10 games this season, registering an incredible 94 per cent passing accuracy. Not only is he a commanding presence on the pitch from the defensive midfield role, but has also started to unlock his ability to create danger in the final third. 

His initial displays for Stuttgart have seen him being labelled as a "Rodri-type" profile, a tall defensive midfielder who keeps things tidy in possession and is authoritarian while winning the ball back. Chema, though, is not a big fan of comparisons. 

Speaking to MARCA, he said: "People compare a lot, but I don't like it. He's a great player, and we're at very different levels. He's a world-class player, and I'm just starting my career. It's a privilege and a blessing that people see some similarity between us. To be compared to someone of that stature is incredible. Physically, we're somewhat similar, and our playing style may be similar, but comparisons in football aren't good."

When asked which players he looks up to, Chema added: "I'm watching the German league a lot these days. I'm paying attention to Kimmich. Physically, he doesn't look like me, but I think he's spectacular on and off the ball. He recovers and organises. Everything Bayern does goes through him."

Los Blancos still hold 50 per cent of Chema's rights and reportedly have a buy-back option of around €10 million (£9m/$12m). According to reports, Madrid are considering re-signing the 20-year-old next summer, along with Como sensation Nico Paz. Chema is seen by Madrid as the ideal backup to Aurelien Tchouameni. 

The Stuttgart star, however, is not in any rush, adding: "Madrid is where everyone wants to be, where every player wants to play. But you have to understand that life goes in stages. My time there was over, and the best thing was to change destinations and start a new life, with other projects and motivations.

"After seven years, Real Madrid is very important in my life. Returning isn't something I'm thinking about right now. I'm happy in Germany. Football is huge, and there are great clubs. Sometimes people focus only on Real Madrid, but every player has his own path. The future will tell."

Before returning to action with Stuttgart on October 18, when they face Wolfsburg, Chema could play a role in Spain U21's friendly against Norway on Friday, followed by a U21 European Championship qualifier against Finland next Tuesday.