Rodri: From Uncertain Starter to Manchester City’s Irreplaceable Midfielder

An examination of Rodri‘s journey at Manchester City reveals a trajectory that has seen him evolve from an uncertain future in the starting lineup to becoming an essential figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad. However, this transformation to being regarded as the best defensive midfielder globally has not been without its challenges.

Initially, Rodri was not Manchester City’s first choice as a successor to the departed Fernandinho. The club’s attempts to sign alternatives such as Fred, Jorginho, and Frenkie de Jong were unsuccessful, leading them to eventually opt for Rodri from Atletico Madrid. At the time, he was not even considered the foremost player in his position at Atletico.

Rodri’s move to City occurred when the club had just clinched the Premier League title and a domestic treble, narrowly defeating Liverpool. Despite a promising performance in the Community Shield, it quickly became apparent that Rodri faced difficulties in smoothly replacing the Brazilian Fernandinho. In his initial season, he struggled with the starting lineup and found it necessary to pair up with Ilkay Gundogan, a tactical decision that did not sit well with fans.

During a season where City played catch-up to a dominant Liverpool, Rodri faced difficulties in determining the right moments to press and when to hold his position, which often left him vulnerable and exploited. This contrasted sharply with Fernandinho’s adept counter-attack interceptions. Rodri acknowledged these challenges, stating, “I realized straight away that in this league you need to think really quickly. I tried to adapt my game in the first games of the season,” highlighting the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.

The guidance from Fernandinho, who shifted to a centre-back role to better instruct Rodri, was crucial in the latter’s development. “He has helped me a lot,” Rodri said of Fernandinho, appreciating the experience and wisdom shared by the Brazilian.

The gradual improvement came in Rodri’s second season as he adapted to new tactical setups, including a false nine formation deployed by Guardiola, helping City regain the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. Despite this success, Rodri was notably absent from the starting lineup in the Champions League final against Chelsea, underscoring the competitive dynamics within the team.

Recently, Rodri’s importance to the squad has been highlighted even more by his lack of adequate substitutes, making his sustained presence essential for Manchester City. Concerns about his fitness arose when Rodri sustained a knee injury requiring him to undergo a lengthy recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Rodri, who turns 29 next year, has underscored the pressing need for City to address the succession plan for such a pivotal squad role. The club must face the inevitable challenge of finding a sustainable solution as injuries and transfers remain persistent uncertainties in professional sports.