Manchester City have made some smart investments in the summer transfer window, notably bringing in two quality fullbacks in Angelino and Joao Cancelo. But most importantly, they have strengthened their holding midfield slot by securing the services of Rodri for a fee of €70 million.
The Spaniard is expected to be the long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho. But, while the veteran Brazilian is still capable of performing at the highest level, we will be assessing the best option for Pep Guardiola in the holding midfield role this season, with the candidates being Rodri, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan.
Style of play
Rodri is a predominantly a midfield enforcer, who is known for his aggression and tenacity. Groomed under Diego Simeone last season, the Spaniard loves to win back possession for his team while he is also an excellent passer of the ball. The 23-year-old is very effective in the air as well, thanks to his tall 191cm frame.
Fernandinho might be the least technically gifted player of the three. But, he has an excellent defensive work-rate and is physically dominant like Rodri. The Brazilian ace has improved his passing a lot under Guardiola, meaning he can efficiently distribute possession all around the pitch.
As for Gundogan, he is by far the most technically gifted player of the three. One of the aspects that make him a unique number six is that he can carry the ball around half-spaces. Also, the German international can move forward and thread useful passes into the final third. He does, however, lack physical attributes.
Statistical comparison
As far as statistics suggest, Rodri is by far the best tackler among the three, attempting 4.1 tackles per game with a success rate of 73% last season. Fernandinho attained a marginally better success rate of 74%, but the volume of tackles was considerably fewer (2.7). Gundogan, meanwhile, averaged only 1.4 tackles.
Fernandinho edged Rodri in terms of reading the game, having averaged 1.4 interceptions per game last season. It is marginally better than the Spaniard’s tally of 1.2 while Gundogan once again disappoints, averaging only 0.9 interceptions.
Another key aspect of the holding midfield role is that players need to be effective in headed duels. And that’s where Rodri shines, sensationally winning 2.3 aerial duels per match with a whopping success rate of 67%. Fernandinho won 2.6 but has a success rate of only 54%. As for Gundogan, he won only 0.8 headed duels per game.
And finally, it is also Rodri who had attained a most pass completion rate last season with 91%. Gundogan achieved 90% while Fernandinho stands at 87%. That being said, Gundogan is by far the most versatile passer as most of his passes tend to be forward passes, and there is a lot of incision with the way the German distributes possession.
But in hindsight, Rodri shines in nearly every aspect of the game that is necessary for a quality holding midfielder. Hence, the Spaniard should become the club’s first-choice in the number six slot, though both Fernandinho and Gundogan are excellent alternatives.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
