Rodri: Manchester City’s invincible & ‘best midfielder in the world’

While the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne often steal the headlines, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri is quietly pulling the strings and driving the team’s relentless pursuit of trophies. Pep Guardiola, not known for hyperbole, has declared the Spaniard “the best midfielder in the world by far”.

Rodri’s importance to City is undeniable. He’s been at the heart of an astounding 60-match unbeaten run across all competitions – a testament to his consistency and resilience.  While not as flashy as some of his teammates, he’s the pivotal cog in the City machine, setting the tempo, shielding the defence, and launching attacks with pinpoint precision.

Master of the Midfield

Rodri excels in the holding midfield role with his uncanny ability to read the game, intercept passes, and break up opposition attacks. His positional sense is exceptional, often snuffing out danger before it fully materializes.

Beyond his defensive duties, Rodri is a deep-lying playmaker with an exceptional passing range. His distribution is key to City’s possession-dominating style. According to statistics, he has the most successful passes per 90 minutes among players in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Rodri’s influence isn’t solely about perception; the numbers back up Guardiola’s bold claims. He consistently ranks top of the charts for pass completion, demonstrating his reliability on the ball.  He has also started to add goals and assists to his repertoire, with seven goals and six assists for City this season.

Guardiola’s Praise

Pep Guardiola is effusive in his appreciation of Rodri’s value: “He’s an unbelievable player,” the manager gushes. “It’s because he’s able to do everything. What can’t this guy do?”

Guardiola understands that Rodri’s brilliance lies in the subtle aspects of the game, those that often go unnoticed by casual fans. “He should never, ever be in the highlights. He does the job he has to do.”

An Understated Hero

Despite his immense impact, Rodri remains a relatively understated figure. He lacks social media presence and avoids the limelight, allowing his performances to speak for themselves. This aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s philosophy of prioritizing teamwork over individual brilliance.