Nedum Onuoha has highlighted how key Rodri is to this Manchester City side at this point.
Speaking to ESPN UK, the pundit had his say on the £62.8 million (Independent) man’s absence in his side’s 2-1 defeat against Wolves.
Nedum Onuoha has stressed the importance of Rodri to Manchester City and how his suspension was always bound to affect them.
Nedum Onuoha says Rodri is the ‘pillar of Man City’
Branded as an ‘extraordinary holding midfielder’ by Pep Guardiola, the 27-year-old’s absence was felt by City, with Mateo Kovacic deputising in his place.
The Croatian international looked out of his depth as a No.6, failing to halt defensive transitions whilst ceding possession by being far too progressive in his passing.
After Manchester City suffered their first loss of the season against Wolves, Nedum Onuoha emphasised just how much of a vital cog Rodri is to his side.
“Rodri is the pillar of Man City”, he said.
“He’s one of the reasons why say for example, Kalvin Phillips didn’t play at all last year. Not just as much that Kalvin Phillips didn’t play well last year overall. Well, he didn’t get many opportunities because the guy in the middle was the centrepiece to what was the best season the club has ever had.”
Rodri is the most irreplaceable player at the club
Nedum Onuoha is spot on and while the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva would all be massive losses to Manchester City, none would have the same effect as Rodri being out of the side.
Admittedly, a major reason why this is the case is because City lack an able backup to the Spaniard.
But in addition, Rodri simply brings far too much to this Sky Blues side both defensively and going forward due to his underappreciated chance creation, powerful ball-carrying ability and goalscoring threat.
As a result, the former Villareal midfielder’s absence would be more telling in this Manchester City side in comparison to any of his other teammates.
