When Rodri suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal last September, it effectively signalled the beginning of the end of Manchester City’s Premier League title push.
The Spaniard has grown into one of the most effective central midfielders in world football. His exploits for both club and country, after all, were recognised with a 2024 Ballon d’Or triumph. Since then, though, playing time has been found wanting.
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Rodri has made just 15 appearances since the start of last season. The Spaniard sat out last week’s 5-1 home win over Burnley due to knee pain. Not that he was required as City blitzed the Clarets on home turf.
However, the 29-year-old lasted just 20 minutes in City’s 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Making his fourth league start of the season, Rodri hobbled off the Gtech pitch midway through the first half. “It’s muscular. Of course, I don’t want to lose him [at all] because he is such an important player. We tried to take care of him, but it is what it is,” Pep Guardiola said after the game.
“I felt a little bit in the hamstring – but it seems as though it’s not that much,” Rodri added following City’s triumph in the capital. Rodri’s withdrawal could have had huge ramifications for City but they dug deep to claim all the spoils.
Are City equipped to deal with Rodri absence?
In truth, Guardiola’s side are now much better equipped to deal with the absence of City’s ‘Brain’. When Rodri suffered his ACL injury, there were understandable concerns at how City’s season would pan out. As such, it’s not a surprise they endured their first trophyless campaign in eight years.
That’s not to say City didn’t have an abundance of central midfield options but rather none who could perform the same ‘safety-net’ duties as Rodri. It wasn’t until January deadline day that they rectified this issue as they acquired Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto.
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Gonzalez took a bit of time to get up to speed with City. There were even reports he’d leave in the summer. Having started just nine league matches following his arrival, some even questioned why City signed the Spaniard in the first place.
However, this is somewhat par for course for any player who moves to a new team in January. After a half-season playing to the demands of one manager, a new signing needs time to adjust to a change of scenery. Gonzalez was no different.
Gonzalez impact at Brentford
And while he is still effectively cover for compatriot Rodri, Guardiola at least has two quality ball-playing central midfielders at his disposal. This was key at Brentford as Gonzalez replaced Rodri in the first half.
No player made more tackles than Gonzalez (4) at Brentford on Sunday, while he offered the additional aerial presence in midfield, winning two headed battles. He was one of only three City players to make an interception.
Gonzalez may not be as refined as Rodri in possession – the former completed 51 of 60 passes for an 85% pass accuracy on Sunday – but he’s proving a solid defensive shield. This is vital in the Premier League’s tricky away-days. As a player to shut down matches, Gonzalez is a fine option for Guardiola.
Reijnders arrival also key
And it’s not just the arrival of Gonzalez that means City are better equipped to counter any possible Rodri loss. The signing of Tijjani Reijnders swelled City’s midfield ranks with the Dutchman able to play multiple roles in the middle of the park.
Reijnders brings the relevant dynamism to a City midfield that had been found wanting last season. Indeed, he’s the link in midfield in Guardiola’s preferred 4-1-4-1 setup, that can drop deeper if needs must. Able to pick up the ball and drive the team forward, Reijnders’ multi-faceted approach gives Guardiola greater in-game tactical flexibility.
While there is a lack of experience in midfield in the wake of Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne’s respective exits, the captures of Gonzalez and Reijnders covers the former pair’s departures in terms of numbers.
City do head into the international break three points off the pace after the opening seven matches. Yet, Sunday’s game at Brentford would have been one they’d have dropped points in without the likes of Gonzalez or Reijnders. Having been set for a huge three points in this game last season following a Phil Foden brace, City conceded twice late on in a 2-2 draw.
There was no such collapse this time around even as Brentford attempted to mount a late comeback. Victory in the capital was clear proof that a Rodri-less City is still to be feared. Few would have thought that the case 12 months ago.