Rodri.When we think of Manchester City, we often think of star players like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Aguero. However, there is one player who has been quietly making a huge impact on the team’s success – Rodri. The Spanish midfielder may not get as much recognition as his teammates, but he is an integral part of Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Rodri’s rise to stardom, his strengths and weaknesses, and why he deserves more credit as a key player for Manchester City.

Rodri’s Rise to Stardom: From Atletico Madrid to Premier League Champion

Rodri, whose full name is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, was born in Madrid, Spain on June 22, 1996. He began his football career at the youth academy of Atletico Madrid, one of the most successful teams in La Liga. He quickly impressed with his technical abilities and tactical awareness, earning him a promotion to the senior team in 2015.

However, Rodri struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid and was eventually loaned out to Villarreal in 2018. It was during this loan spell that he truly showcased his potential and caught the attention of top European clubs. In 2019, Manchester City signed Rodri for a club-record fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive Spanish player at the time.

Rodri’s first season with Manchester City was a success, as he helped the team win the Premier League title and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. His dominant performances in midfield earned him praise from fans and critics alike, solidifying his place as a key player for Manchester City.

Rodri’s Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Analysis

Rodri’s style of play is often compared to that of Sergio Busquets, another Spanish midfielder known for his technical abilities and defensive prowess. However, Rodri brings his own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, making him a crucial player in Manchester City’s system.

Strengths:

• Passing: One of Rodri’s greatest strengths is his passing ability. He has an impressive passing accuracy of 92% in the Premier League, which is essential for a midfielder in possession-based teams like Manchester City. His range of passing allows him to switch the play quickly and create chances for his teammates.

• Tactical Awareness: Rodri is a very intelligent player who reads the game well. He knows when to press high up the pitch and when to stay back and shield the defense. This tactical awareness makes him a vital component in Manchester City’s midfield, as he helps maintain the team’s shape and control the tempo of the game.

• Defensive Contributions: While Rodri may not be the most physically imposing player on the field, he is very effective in breaking up opposition attacks. He averages over two tackles and two interceptions per game in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to win back possession and protect his team’s backline.

• Set Piece Threat: Despite not being a towering presence on the field, Rodri is still a threat from set-pieces. His height and aerial ability make him a dangerous target in the box, and he has already scored a few goals from set-pieces for Manchester City.

Weaknesses:

• Pace: One area where Rodri may struggle is his lack of pace. In the fast-paced Premier League, he may sometimes find it challenging to keep up with quick players, especially in transition. However, he makes up for this with his intelligence and positioning, which allows him to anticipate and intercept passes.

• Physicality: As mentioned earlier, Rodri is not the most physically imposing player. He stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall, but he lacks the aggression and strength of a traditional defensive midfielder. This can sometimes be a disadvantage when facing physical opponents, but his technical abilities and tactical awareness make up for this weakness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rodri may not receive as much recognition as his more high-profile teammates, but he is undoubtedly an essential player for Manchester City. His passing, tactical awareness, and defensive contributions make him a crucial link between the defense and attack, allowing the team to dominate possession and control games. While he still has room for improvement, Rodri has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and his future looks bright with Manchester City. So the next time you watch a Manchester City game, keep an eye out for Rodri and appreciate the unsung hero of the team’s dominance.