Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
The Spaniard had to be taken off in the 21st minute as he limped off the pitch against Arsenal. Spanish media outlet Marca have reported that the 28-year old has suffered from an ACL tear during the game.
This is a massive blow for Pep Guardiola’s men as Rodri has lost only one game in his previous 84 appearances for club and country. He is the backbone of the City midfield.
Man City have lost 24% of their matches, where Rodri did not feature. This stat highlights his importance to the team.
Just few weeks ago, he took a dig at UEFA’s highly congested schedule, highlighting the disadvantages to the players. Having featured most of the games last season, this is simply unfortunate.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder is also one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’or this year following his succesful season with club and country.
When asked about Rodri in a press conference, Pep Guardiola couldn’t give solid insights. He couldn’t say anything as the club doctors are still monitoring the situation. He says;
“We are still waiting for the decision of the doctors, exactly what he has. When we know it, the club or myself, the spokesman of the club will announce it.”
Man City without Rodri is like “Pizza without cheese”
Ever since Rodri made his debut for Man City in 2019, he hasn’t looked back. The 28-year old is now one of the talismans of the “treble winning” team.
Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne hailed him as “the perfect fit” to Manchester City’s midfield. Without Rodri, the Citizens have suffered defeat in 24% of their games.
According to stats collected, Pep Guardiola’s side average 2.36 points per game where Rodri features. They wouldn’t have been able to achieve 91 points statistically if the Spaniard wasn’t present to bail them out.
A player like Rodri, is very unique. He is the spine of Pep Guardiola’s midfield with and without possession. His ability to win the ball and distribute it quickly makes him stand out from others.
The 28-year old is physically strong, he doesn’t shy away from challenging in duels. His warrior like nature generates a fear inside the opposition’s mind. Also, the way he controls the possession of the ball is worth praising.
He also has a rocket of a boot, as we have seen him score lots of bangers in his tenure. There has been times when he has single handedly bailed out the Citizens from pressure situations.
City fans will surely remember his goal in the Champions league final, and his contribution throughout that campaign. He is cementing his legacy at the Etihad.
His injury might cause the bigger problems to City, rather than any other club they face. Massive blow!
“Lahm regen” to fill Rodri’s void
The news of Rodri suffering an ACL injury is truly disappointing for all football fans. This is the last thing Man City fans would’ve wanted to happen this season.
However, amidst this chaos Pep Guardiola has reportedly chosen “Lahm regen” Rico Lewis to fill Rodri’s void.
Lewis is a versatile defender, who can also be deployed in a double pivot. Under Pep, he has mostly featured in a midfield pivot which will not make him uncomfortable.
The teenager is one of the biggest prospects in Premier league right now. He boasted a 100% tackle record last season. The 19-year old was one of the players to be dribbled past only a few times.
Given Rodri’s role of a ball winning defensive midfielder, Rico Lewis is undoubtedly the perfect choice. He ranks third in winning possession in the final third.
Under the watchful eyes of Pep, the teenage sensation can easily form a groundbreaking partnership with Kovacic to help the Citizens win an unprecedented fifth league title in a row.
Pep praised his football IQ last year in a press conference. He says;
“He has the ability to make all the team play better.”
“He is so clever, so intelligent: every moment, he knows when to open inside, and what to do.”
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