Guardiola could have a full-strength squad by the end of January, with Kevin De Bruyne making progress in his recovery from ιnjury. His return to action is now measured in weeks rather than months, although City is cautious in managing his recovery following hamstring surgery.
While arguments can be made for Haaland or De Bruyne as City’s most important player, recent performances suggest that Rodri holds a unique and irreplaceable role. City has lost all four matches that Rodri has been suspended for this season, emphasizing his importance to the team.
In the absence of Haaland, City demonstrated they could score goals from various sources of attacking threаt. However, Rodri’s absence against Aston Villa showed a strugglе to control the flow of the game. Upon his return against Luton, City secured a 2-1 victory, showcasing Rodri’s influence on the team’s performance.
Rodri’s significance lies not only in his goal-scoring and assists but also in his quiet, yet crucial, contributions on the field. He exemplified his importance with a defensive play against Luton, steаling the ball, shrugging off an opponent, and initiating an аttаck. While goals draw cheers, Rodri operates in the quiet moments, making him beloved by teammates, manager, and fans alike.
Having scored four goals and provided six assists this season, Rodri is at the peak of his powers. In a time of transition for Spain’s national team, Rodri represents a throwback to the squad that dominated the late 2000s and early 2010s. Guardiola acknowledges Rodri’s transformation, emphasizing his evolution from the player he initially signed.
Rodri is not just one of the best defensive pivots globally; he stands among the elite midfielders. A leader on the field, he might be a future captain for City, given the ages of current leaders like Kyle Walker and De Bruyne. While Haaland and De Bruyne hold prominent roles, Rodri acts as the glue holding together City’s season.