The 2025/2026 campaign could be the most defining season of Rodri’s career.
Rodri has complained about fitness issues since recovering from his ACL injury and the challenge on the Spaniard’s hands will be two-fold: remaining fit for the foreseeable future and returning to his brilliant best.
Whether the 28-year-old can rediscover the standards that led him to winning the Ballon d’Or last year could dictate how Manchester City fare next season.
Alan Shearer expects Rodri to struggle initially as it takes time for players to feel like their past selves after returning to the pitch from an ACL injury.
Rodri should be upset about Man City being ready to sell Nico Gonzalez
Nico Gonzalez seemed primed to be his countryman’s understudy next season at least.
However, on Friday, Manchester City News exclusively revealed that Nico could leave the Etihad Stadium in what would be one of the most surprising exits across world football — considering he signed for Pep Guardiola’s men in February.
Nico Gonzalez of Manchester City looking on during FIFA Club World Cup match against Al-Ain
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Rodri would have every right to be frustrated if City part ways with the former Porto midfielder, considering he is the only player in the Sky Blues’ squad who has shown signs of becoming a top-class option in the number six role.
Unlike the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez has the engine to anchor the back four, as he is proficient at winning duels and winning aerial battles at will.
While the 23-year-old still has plenty of work to do to become a conductor with the ball at his feet, his displays against Fulham and Newcastle United in particular displayed that his passing range, vocal presence and ability to shimmy past players are incredibly encouraging.
Tijjani Reijnders stood out against Wydad AC, as the stats reflect but he is a central midfielder by trade and is expected to partner Rodri next season.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS VS WYDAD AC
PASSES INTO FINAL THIRD 8
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 1
PASSES COMPLETED 64/72 (92%)
DUELS WON 2/3
TACKLES WON 1/1
TOUCHES 82
While Rodri impressed against Juventus, his showings against both Al-Hilal and Wydad at the FIFA Club World Cup illustrated that he still looks leggy and not as assured in possession — which exemplifies Manchester City’s need to keep the faith in Nico.
Rodri wanted Man City to sign midfielder who’s just joined a new club
However, Manchester City have been underwhelmed by Nico’s impact since his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri advised Manchester City to sign Martin Zubimendi to replace him in January but he has now completed a move to Arsenal.
If Zubimendi was a City player, perhaps City would not have felt the need to sign Nico in the first place.
However, it is clear to see that there is a player in Nico and learning how to master the defensive midfield role from Rodri could benefit Manchester City for years to come.