Rodri is the most crucial player for Manchester City and in 2023 he proved it. Rodri had a fantastic year as City won three major championships last season. He scored the game-winning goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or with 57 points. He also played a key role in Spain’s Nations League success and became a world champion with City in the FIFA Club World Cup final. Rodri was recently hailed by a former Chelsea player.
John Obi Mikel praises Rodri
Manchester City will be happy to have their star striker Erling Haaland and midfield wizard Kevin de Bruyne back, giving a big boost to their team after long injuries. These two players played a key role in City’s historic Treble, with Haaland scoring 52 goals in 53 games and De Bruyne contributing to 41 goals in 49 games. Unfortunately, Haaland had a foot injury, and De Bruyne injured his hamstring, causing them to miss several games. This affected City’s performance, and they are currently in third place in the league. However, in 2024, the most crucial player for City is expected to be holding midfielder Rodri.
Since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, the Spanish player has become a very important part of the team. After Ilkay Gundogan left, there is no one else in the squad who can do what he does. Rodri’s value to the team is shown by the fact that City lost all three of their league games this season when he couldn’t play because of a suspension. Kalvin Phillips might seem like the most suitable replacement for Rodri, but he didn’t start any of those games, and it’s likely that he will leave in January because Guardiola doesn’t seem to favor him.
Recently, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel claimed Rodri is unreal.
“No disrespect to Keane or Vieira, legends that I have seen play in the Premier League in that position but what Rodri is doing right now, possession, the way he attacks, getting into the box, creating chances, tackling, everything goes through this guy. For me, he’s the most important player in the Premier League,” Mikel said.
Chelsea Legend Mikel Obi🗣️: No disrespect to Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira & the other legends l have seen play that position in the Premier League, Rodri is unreal.pic.twitter.com/GYE8KPpSnA
— foland (fan) (@propsMCFC) January 4, 2024
Rodri is really important to Pep Guardiola’s team. It’s evident because when he didn’t play, City lost to Wolves, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in 2023-24.
