Rodri: Man City’s Invincible Midfielder Reigns Supreme
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has established himself as a vital component of the team’s success, with an unbeaten run of 59 games in all competitions. This impressive streak surpasses the previous record held by former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho. Rodri’s last defeat in a City shirt came against Tottenham in February 2023, and since then, he has played a crucial role in City’s triumphs, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Uefa Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Rodri’s signing from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.5m was seen as a move to replace former captain Fernandinho. Like his predecessor, Rodri’s contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by star players like Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne. However, his importance to the team cannot be overstated, as acknowledged by players, pundits, and his manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola has described Rodri as “unbelievable” and “the best midfield player, currently, in the world by far.” Despite his achievements, Rodri remains humble and avoids the spotlight, focusing on doing the job required for the team’s success. Former City forward Paul Dickov praises Rodri’s ability to enable players like De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva to shine.
While individual awards may not be likely for Rodri, he excels in the big moments on the pitch. He scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year, securing City’s first-ever title in the competition and completing a historic Treble. Guardiola has emphasized that Rodri makes the team better and there is no doubt about his importance.
The statistics further highlight Rodri’s impact on Manchester City. When he is on the field, City’s win percentage rises to 79.7%, compared to 54.5% when he is absent. Rodri leads the passing stats, with the most passes attempted and completed by any midfielder across all competitions since his unbeaten run began. He also boasts the most successful passes per 90 minutes in Europe’s top-five leagues this season.
City’s reliance on Rodri is evident when he is not available. Earlier this season, when he received a red card and was suspended, City lost all three games without him. Rodri’s ability to control the game and contribute to the team’s build-up play has been crucial to their success.
In conclusion, Rodri’s unbeaten run and his contributions to Manchester City’s accomplishments have solidified his status as an invincible midfielder. Despite operating under the radar, Rodri’s importance cannot be overstated, as recognized by his manager, teammates, and opponents. His passing ability and influence in the game make him a vital asset for Manchester City.