Pep Guardiola believes Rodri is capable of doing “everything” a defensive midfielder is asked to on a football pitch.
While Manchester City were far from their best in their 1-1 draw against Chelsea, the 27-year-old reiterated why he is a class act.
In the 83rd minute of the contest, Rodri gave City a glimmer of hope in their chances of staging a late comeback by volleying in a crucial equaliser.
Pep Guardiola says “unbelievable” Rodri can do “everything”
However, Pep Guardiola’s men failed to get over the line on Saturday, despite the midfield maestro’s late strike.
But even so, the £62.8 million (The Independent) man left the Etihad Stadium with credit to his name after putting in yet another decisive display.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola emphasised that Rodri ticks every box one needs to as a holding midfielder.
“He’s an unbelievable player. The best midfield player in the current world. By far, because he’s able to do everything”, he said [via HaytersTV].
“So, the tempo, especially his character, the situation is going wrong, make a step forward, arrive to the box, backwards and the ability to play short, long, always ready, so, what a signing.”
Pep Guardiola also went on to claim that Manchester City would not have been as successful as they have been in recent years without the presence of Rodri.
“Manchester City have signed a player that [it] is difficult to understand what we have done in the years without him, it would have been difficult.”
Rodri is good enough to play as a number eight
If Manchester City sign another defensive midfielder in the summer, Pep Guardiola has the option of playing Rodri as a number eight, in our view.
Even against Chelsea, the three-time Premier League winner showcased why he is so much more than just a holding midfielder.
How Rodri can singlehandedly control games, drive with the ball and especially find the back of the net would make him an ideal candidate to play further forward in central midfield.
Technically and tactically, the treble-winner is well capable of transitioning into a much more advanced role for City.
It goes without saying that Pep Guardiola has no reason to deploy Rodri in central midfield, considering how flawless he is as a number six.
But if the thought ever crosses Guardiola’s mind, there is no reason why he should hesitate.
