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Eyebrows rose when Pep Guardiola decided not to sign a defensive midfielder in 2018 after Jorginho’s failed search.
Manchester City had identified the Chelsea-bound player as the ideal replacement for old Fernandinho, but opted to move to Stamford Bridge instead of Etihad. Rather than trying to bring in a backup option, Guardiola stuck with his current options.
The decision turned out not to be costly as City overtook Liverpool on the final day of an exciting title battle to win a second Premier League trophy. That summer, however, a defensive midfielder was a priority.
Rodri entered, having replaced Jorginho as the City’s number 1 midfielder target. City had given himself time and finally got his man. It has already proven to be the right decision.
The Spanish has not had the perfect season, but injuries dictated that Fernandinho was necessary on defense, so Rodri was not given time to meet Guardiola’s demands. Now Rodri has admitted that his first performances may have suffered when he adapted to a new league.
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“The first challenge was obviously adapting to the Premier League game,” he said. said. “It is another style of soccer.
“You can’t breathe or relax for 90 minutes, not even for a second. I immediately realized that in this league you must think very fast. I tried to adapt my game in the first games of the season. When I got to the rhythm of the Premier League, I also started adapting my game and my skills to the team. “
Tellingly, Rodri let it slip that the role of midfielder in a midfield three is one he had never played before, as he played in a defensive midfield position for Atlético de Madrid.
“I try to learn every day from him [Guardiola]”he explained.” It has helped me a lot, especially tactically. It was the first time I played alone as a midfielder, so I have to adapt to the new situation. “
Considering how much he has had to adjust, Rodri’s impressive performances are even more remarkable and he should be considered one of the best players in City this season. His ability to pass and his consistency in midfield have made up for Fernandinho’s absence in that position with minimal disruption.
Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Agüero could be in line to win the club’s end-of-season awards, and possibly some league-wide honors as well, but City would surely have been further behind Liverpool without Rodri’s performances. Just like Fernandinho was last season, Rodri has been City’s unrecognized hero who has proven to be an integral part of the tactics Guardiola demands.
In less than a season, Guardiola has had the justification of waiting to find the perfect player in a critical position, instead of being rushed to the end of a transfer window and paying the odds for the second best.
So as this summer approaches, fans should see Rodri’s signature success and trust Guardiola when it comes to finding a center-back to replace Vincent Kompany. Guardiola’s new transfer priority is clear, but history suggests he will do well.
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