Arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the just concluded season by a mile, Manchester City’s trusted defensive shield Rodrigo has proven himself to be one of the best players in his position in Europe and around the world. He’s one of Pep Guardiola undroppable players in his setup as the Spaniard contributes so much for the team and helps the system to which Guardiola wants to work with just… tick.
The 2022/2023 season would no doubt go down as one of the best seasons for the 27 year old for both club and country as he made the defensive midfield position of both teams his own and gave man of the match performances along the way.
RODRI’S ON FIRE.
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions league this season in City blue to complete an historic treble. He also scored one of the goals that would forever go into City folklore as one of the biggest goals in City history, that being his 68th minute strike against Inter in the Champions league final in Istanbul, Turkey.
There something about that 16 shirt and iconic goals…
Rodri would then carry his glittering form into the national team where he stepped out from his role as an understudy to the legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets after his international retirement after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has played that role to perfection, it almost seems like Spain aren’t missing the presence of Busquets as much when Rodri plays as he gives the same level of calmness and security for the backline when he is playing and has quickly made himself an assured and regular presence in the Spanish squad as well. His recent trophy came in the UEFA Nations league final for Spain against a very game Croatia side. Rodri also picked up the man of the match award in that game as well adding to his recent one in another final being that of the Champions league.
I think he probably turned down the comparisons to other Defensive Midfielders a little… just a little…
MIXING IT WITH THE BEST.
Rodri ranks high in stats for ball recoveries, pass accuracy, long passes attempted, forward passes, and decent aerial duel success percentage amongst some of the best players in the defensive midfield role in the league last term. Not to forget the fact that he has been absolutely clutch in games over the years for City chipping in with big goals when the team needs them the most.
City would be hoping he maintains this level of consistency as he would be key in their bid to defend treble crown next season.
As a collective it would be a tough ask for the Manchester side to retain all their players but anything can happen, we just have to see.
LETS GOSSIP A BIT… SHALL WE?
Not to digress…
City in the the latest transfer window were in the race along with Premier league rivals Arsenal to sign the highly rated English defensive midfielder, Declan Rice from West Ham for a reported fee of over a £100 million.
Yes, A million quid for a DM…
Due to Arsenal’s latest bid Manchester City weren’t ready to match that and in-fact pulled out of the race to sign the West Ham captain.
I probably speak on behalf of every City fan that this was probably a bullet dodged…
But this whole saga leaves me with the questions…
If Rice’s value is $130 million, What’s Rodri’s market value?
Did City really need Rice in the squad when they have the likes of Rodri and Phillips at their disposal?
I’d really like to know your thoughts about this in the comments.
ROLL OUT.
This is my shortest piece yet but I hope you have had fun whilst you were here and I really hope to see you soon next time. Don’t forget to like, comment and most importantly follow for content like this. Cheers!
