Pep Guardiola has a history of having coached legendary defensive midfielders and when Rodri signed for Manchester City in 2019, it seemed like a match made in heaven between the pair from day one.
However, unlike Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Fernandinho who were all instant successes under Guardiola, Rodri did not necessarily look the part for City.
The Spanish international looked like a top-quality technician and an impressive passer of the ball but out of possession, he seemed to lack the legs to be deemed the heir apparent to an ageing Fernandinho.
Rodri still managed to have a solid debut season at Manchester City and in the following campaign, he improved but it was telling that Pep Guardiola decided to bench him in the club’s eventual 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League final in the same term.
At the time, Guardiola’s decision would perhaps have sent a message to keen observers that he had lost faith in the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.
Pep Guardiola predicted Rodri to be key to Man City for “five or six years”
But since his first two seasons, the 28-year-old has not looked back to the extent that Rodri won the Ballon d’Or last year.
Furthermore, Pep Guardiola even compared Rodri to Lionel Messi in terms of his importance to this Manchester City side when quizzed about how much they miss him this season.
But Guardiola always knew Rodri was a special player, predicting his countryman to be vital to City right after he signed for the club.
Pep Guardiola said via Manchester City’s official website in July 2019: “He’s a young player who is going to be important for the next five or six years.”
“The first 10 days have been really good, he will play his first game tomorrow.”
Will Rodri sign a new contract and stay at Manchester City?
Previously, Phil Foden stressed Rodri’s importance by claiming that no player is as essential to this Manchester City side as he is.
Manchester City wish to double Rodri’s wages and make him one of their highest-earners alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne — as he is well and truly one of their main men.
The good news for the Sky Blues fans worldwide is Manchester City feel Rodri could extend his contract beyond 2027 for two reasons.
- Winning the Ballon d’Or at the Etihad Stadium
- Real Madrid not attending the ceremony could put Rodri off from potentially signing for them
While Rodri claimed contract talks weren’t his “priority”, it seems like City are pulling out all the stops to ensure he stays for several more years and Pep Guardiola would be hoping he puts pen to paper.
