Manchester City maestro Rodri is perhaps one of the best recent examples of how a player can elevate their game to unprecedented standards.
Ilkay Gundogan revealed Rodri’s habit after training in his debut season at City was to stay after training and have conversations with Pep Guardiola about how to hone his craft as a defensive midfielder.
In his first season, Micah Richards claimed that the Spanish international did not “read danger” like Fernandinho and criticised his all-round game after City’s 5-2 defeat against Leicester City in 2020.
Richards said on Sky Sports: “Everyone talks about Rodri, for me, his pass completion is very good. But a lot of the balls he plays are five-yard in front, to the side, getting a lot of possession but it’s not hurting them. As soon as Fernandinho went off that pitch today, I don’t know if he picked up an injury, I don’t know if they just wanted to change the system and put a striker in there but I knew that would happen.”
“I’m not blaming it just on Rodri, of course not, there were loads of bad performances in there. But we did it on Monday Night Football with Jamie Carragher, in that middle by himself, the way he turns, he doesn’t read danger like Fernandinho and the backline get exposed and it happened time and time and time again.”
However, in January this year, Micah Richards named Rodri as the best holding midfielder he has seen since Sergio Busquets — highlighting his remarkable improvement as a player over the years.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rodri says Jack Grealish knows he has to step up his game
Rodri has managed to succeed one of Manchester City’s greatest-ever players in Fernandinho in arguably the most demanding position in a Pep Guardiola side.
Furthermore, the 28-year-old is one of the primary leaders at the Etihad Stadium — being one of the club captains.
In an interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Rodri praised Jack Grealish’s personality but insisted he has to step his game up.
“A very good guy, a very good heart that makes the team but he has to improve many things and he knows it.”
Pep Guardiola confirmed Grealish’s return from injury will be after the international break — as he last came on as a late substitute in Manchester City’s late 2-1 win against Wolves.
The Englishman’s start to the 2024/2025 season so far has been stuttering to say the least — making just six starts in all competitions.
In July, Grealish wished to “prove some people wrong” this campaign after being excluded from England’s squad for Euro 2024.
But so far, the 29-year-old has been unable to fulfil his mission up until this point.
After England’s 3-1 victory against Finland during the last international break, Declan Rice described Grealish as a “really special” player — indicating the respect he commands from some of the biggest names in football.
Pep Guardiola revealed Grealish’s pre-season attitude was “unbelievable”
Grealish will be dissatisfied by how he has fared so far this season.
| COMPETITION | STARTS | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| PREMIER LEAGUE | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| CARABAO CUP | 1 | 0 | 1 |
However, Pep Guardiola revealed Grealish’s attitude in pre-season was “unbelievable” due to how high his spirits were and the shape he was in.
“He’s really good, I think he’s come back perfect and with the same happiness and same unbelievable attitude with the Man City group and hopefully he can do a good season, to push his mates, to deserve a place in the team.”
“To play as regularly like it happened two seasons ago. Absolutely it depends on him. All the players it depends on them, not on my decisions.”
Gabby Agbonlahor disclosed Grealish was “working so hard” in pre-season with “fitness coaches and personal trainers” in preparation to have the best possible campaign he could.
The three-time Premier League winner seems to be aware that he must further better himself as a player.
As a result, Rodri’s statement should likely only push Grealish to work harder and play his best football.
