Rodri replacement is becoming an increasingly pressing concern for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who faces the unenviable task of finding a suitable replacement for the injured midfielder. With Rodri expected to be out for a considerable period, the question on everyone’s mind is: who can fill the void left by the midfielder’s absence?
The answer lies in a combination of internal and external solutions. Internally, City has talented players who can step up and take on the responsibilities of Rodri. Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones, and Rico Lewis are just a few names that come to mind. However, Guardiola may also be tempted to explore external options, especially if Rodri’s injury extends into 2025. One such option could be recalling Kalvin Phillips from his loan spell at Ipswich once the transfer window opens.
Interestingly, Opta data from last season reveals that Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde are among the midfielders most similar to Rodri from Europe’s top leagues. However, with Rice swiftly snapped up by Arsenal and Valverde potentially out of City’s reach, the question remains: what other options are there for Guardiola to explore?
Potential Replacements for Rodri
One potential candidate is Bayern Munich’s Goretzka, who stands out as one of the midfielders most similar to Rodri. Although currently out of favour at the Bundesliga club, Goretzka has been a consistent performer since joining in 2018. He excels in possession and attacks with potency, albeit not quite matching Rodri’s defensive prowess. His energetic pressing style would undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the City midfield.
Another contender is Zubimendi, who made a telling impact after coming on as a substitute in the Euro 2024 final against England. Liverpool attempted to sign the player in the summer but ultimately failed. Zubimendi boasts an impressive skill set, which includes controlling the midfield with ease. With a reported £51.5m release clause, City may face stiff competition from other top European clubs.
Crystal Palace’s Wharton is another rising star who has caught the attention of top clubs. A defensive midfielder with a penchant for tackles and interceptions, Wharton has been linked to Bayern Munich and Manchester United. While he is undoubtedly talented, his signature will undoubtedly come at a premium price, considering his young age and nationality.
Players Linked with Rodri Replacement
- Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
- Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
- Wharton (Crystal Palace)
- Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
- Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)
- Harold Moussanaa-Borret (Brest)
- Pierre Lees-Melou (Brest)
How Rodri’s Absence Could Impact Manchester City’s Season
As the statistics indicate, Rodri’s influence on City is profound. With a loss rate of just 11% in games featuring Rodri since his debut in 2019, compared to 24% without him, the stakes are high. His ability to control the tempo and dictate the flow of play has been invaluable to Guardiola’s system. The onus will be on the City manager to find a suitable replacement, lest the team’s ambitions be derailed.
The injury could have far-reaching consequences for City’s season. Without Rodri, the team’s defensive solidity will undoubtedly be tested. Moreover, the added pressure will be on other key players to step up and fill the void. The question remains: can City adapt and overcome the loss of their star midfielder?
Rodri’s Influence: A Statistical Analysis
A statistical analysis of Rodri’s performances reveals his impressive all-round ability. Among the top midfielders in the Premier League, Rodri boasted an impressive 87.6% pass success rate last season. His positional awareness and ability to read the game are unparalleled, with an average of 1.15 interceptions per match.
Rodri Statistics (2022-2023 Season)
| Category | Average Performance per Match |
|---|---|
Pass Success Rate  |
87.6% |
Interceptions  |
1.15 |
| Tackles Made |
2.21 |
Manchester City’s Midfield Crisis: Expert Analysis
Pep Guardiola faces a challenging decision in finding the ideal replacement for Rodri. Former City midfielder, Nigel de Jong, believes that Guardiola needs to find a player who offers a similar balance between defense and attack. “Rodri is a special player, and it’s difficult to find a direct replacement. However, I think Pep has the resources to bring in someone who can do the job,” de Jong said in an interview with the BBC.
The search for Rodri’s replacement has just begun, and the stakes are high. With a congested fixture schedule ahead, City needs to adapt quickly to maintain their title ambitions. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of Manchester City’s season.
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External Links:
Rodri (footballer) – Wikipedia