There has been plenty of talk about Manchester City star Rodri following Spain’s win over England in the Euro 2024 final.
The midfielder was named the Player of the Tournament, capping off yet another fine season for him.
Rodri helped City win another Premier League title back in May, and the 2023/24 season really proved just how important a player he is to the team.
Rodri did not lose a single Premier League, and only suffered defeat once in the FA Cup final to Manchester United.
After Spain won Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente claimed that Rodri is the best player in the world, and demanded that he win the next Ballon d’Or.
Today, a report has suggested why City have never signed a player who can play alongside Rodri, or deputise for him.
Man City have long believed Rodri is ‘the best around’
Over the last two years or so, Rodri has gone to a whole new level.
The City number 16 played a crucial role in the club’s Treble-winning season, and of course, famously scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter.
Rodri is a pillar of consistency in the midfield, and he regularly turns in performances with a level of dominance that other players can only dream of.
Rodri’s amazing performances have actually become normalised and inexplicably overlooked at times as a result.
Something City fans have wondered is whether the club will actually try and sign someone to compete with Rodri this season, or provide cover.
According to The Athletic, it is actually ‘the biggest aim’ for City to bring such a player in. The reason they have not done this task that is ‘so difficult’ previously is because they believe that Rodri is ‘the best around’, and have not pursued anyone who would have the aim of replacing him.
City must beware Rodri burnout
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
It understandable that City have found it difficult to sign another player in Rodri’s position.
The club will want someone in a similar mould, who can either play alongside him or deputise for him. But Rodri is the best in the world at what he does and there would be a drop-off whoever City brought in.
But the club ought to try and get someone in this summer, because £63 million Rodri has played a lot of football over the past few years for club and country. Bruno Guimaraes would potentially be a really good addition, although he would be very expensive.
Last season, he spoke about needing a rest and the club have got to ensure he is managed correctly.
As much as Pep Guardiola loves Rodri – hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Khaldoon Al Mubarak earlier this year – and as amazing as he is, he should not play as many minutes in 2024/25, purely because there is a risk of injury or burnout.
To lose Rodri for an extended period would be a huge blow – we saw last season what happens when he doesn’t play.
