Pep Guardiola piled praise on Kalvin Phillips, after Rodri received a red card against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Manchester City must now proceed without the Spaniard for the next three matches.
The 27-year-old’s loss of discipline against the Reds means it counts as violent conduct, and it’s therefore a three-game ban.
Already, City fans are discussing how Pep will cover such an important player’s absence.
Potentially, there is a window of opportunity for Phillips now.
He is the only other out-and-out holding midfielder at the club, and he’ll be keen to stake his claim.
It’s just whether Pep is willing to give him a go. But the manager did have some kind words for Phillips after the Forest clash…
Pep Guardiola praises Kalvin Phillips as Rodri suspension begins
It remains to be seen if Phillips will get the nod from Pep as Rodri’s direct replacement.
There is probably a fairly good chance of him starting against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
But we shall see if he also features against Wolves and Arsenal.
Guardiola was asked about Phillips on Saturday, and said (via BeanymanSports): “He played really good today. For the type of game we need, defensively, keeping the ball and running, amazing. So pleased for him because he’s an incredible guy. I know he’s a national player with England and for me he didn’t play much but, he played really good and helped us a lot.
“We knew it (strong work ethic) when he was in Leeds. Exceptional guy. We know sometimes he struggles for some things that we need, in the small spaces to be quicker, he doesn’t have that type of quality. But the game today we needed him to be there to win the balls, the second balls, to make actions, to hit the lines, personality, long balls, in the corners. He gives us a lot.
“When you have this period with the team and everyone, this is amazing.”
Kalvin Phillips deserves a chance
If not now, when?
Guardiola has heaped praise on Phillips publicly, so it will look a bit strange if he doesn’t play him much in the coming days.
This is surely Phillips’ chance now for City.
He won’t be overtaking Rodri in the pecking order. But it is at least an opportunity for him to remind people of his worth.
His desire to succeed at the club is very admirable. Hopefully he does get some proper chances while Rodri is out.
