Rodri's time at Manchester City has come to an end, and after an exceptional seven-year legacy from the Spaniard at the Etihad Stadium, who could now be his most-able replacement?
Could Elliot Anderson really be the successor to Rodri?
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Rodri has been influential for Manchester City ever since his arrival at the club from Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2019, making nearly 300 appearances in total across all competitions.
A stalwart in midfield, the Spaniard was named in Pep Guardiola's leadership group in August 2022 prior to just his third campaign with the club. The midfielder revelled in a new role as one of City's five 'captains' as the Citizens completed a historic Treble.
Rodri was further recognised for his exceptional performances with personal accolades, winning the UEFA Champions League's Player of the Season award in Manchester City's triumphant year, alongside the illustrious Ballon D'or in 2024.
A crucial figure in Manchester City's midfield, but also a key leader and personality within the dressing room - who could possibly replace the 30-year-old now he is officially a representative of FC Barcelona?
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary defensive midfielder Rodri for FC Barcelona after a stellar seven-season stay at the Etihad Stadium.cityxtra.co.ukRodri Leaves Manchester City For FC Barcelona After Seven Seasons
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary defensive midfielder Rodri for FC Barcelona after a stellar seven-season stay at the Etihad Stadium.
The realistic option: Ayyoub Bouaddi
Enzo Maresca and Manchester City have been publicly chasing the signature of Ayyoub Bouaddi since the 18-year-old's remarkable performances over the past 12 months, but particularly over the summer in the FIFA World Cup with Morocco.
The midfielder has been integrated into professional football since he was just 16, as he nears the milestone of a century of appearances for the French club. To add, the teenager also has continental experience, playing a pivotal role in the Europa League and Europa Conference League for Les Dogues.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Ayyoub Bouaddi also offers cover in defensive areas, being able to adapt to the right side of defence.
Bouaddi - Pink | Rodri - Blue | Anderson - Green
Bouaddi - Pink | Rodri - Blue | Anderson - Green
Whilst Bouaddi may not be a like-for-like replacement for Manchester City's Spanish legend, he may be the perfect choice to partner new signing Elliot Anderson, with a hope to revolutionise the club's new-look midfield under Enzo Maresca.
The 18-year-old thrives in a more natural defensive midfield role, dominant in duels and working hard out of possession. Whilst his underlying possession numbers may be below his predecessor, with City dominating games regularly and occupying most of the possession in fixtures, these numbers could easily climb to match his Spanish counterpart.
It is worth noting that the Morocco international is 12 years younger than Rodri. With plenty of room to learn, develop and grow in the Premier League, Ayyoub Bouaddi would be a very good partner for Elliot Anderson in Enzo Maresca's midfield.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has lifted the lid on the club’s ongoing pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Breaks Silence on Ayyoub Bouaddi in Clear Man City Transfer Message to Hugo Viana
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has lifted the lid on the club’s ongoing pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
The dream option: Joshua Kimmich
Like Bouaddi, Joshua Kimmich may not statistically be the like-for-like replacement for Rodri. However, the German is recognised as one of the world's best, and would be a seamless fit to play in the centre of midfield, or at full-back for Enzo Maresca.
The 31-year-old boasts an exceptional CV, collecting a staggering 25 trophies in his 10 seasons at Bayern Munich. To add to Kimmich's on-field quality, the German also offers off-the-field quality. Like Rodri, Kimmich is the captain of his national team, alongside possessing leadership responsibilities for his club side.
Kimmich - Purple
Kimmich - Purple
Joshua Kimmich thrives in possession-based systems, with the German owning an exceptional passing range and quality on the ball. The 31-year-old has notched double figures for assists in seven of the last eight campaigns (notching nine in 2023/24).
The 31-year-old is a clear favourite to dictate the ball in Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich, ranking in the top-seven per cent for on-the-ball metrics. Kimmich created the most big chances in the German top flight (16) alongside 56 further chances for teammates.
Kimmich is also a recognised set-piece taker for Bayern Munich and Germany - a significant attribute given the height and number of aerial threats within Manchester City's ranks.
The German icon's overall quality as a leader, alongside the valuable experience the German boasts could make him a sensible option to replace Rodri in Manchester City's midfield.
The Like for Like Option: Angelo Stiller
Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller has developed into one of the Bundesliga's top midfield talents in recent seasons, helping his side reach the UEFA Champions League in the previous campaign.
A previous teammate of Joshua Kimmich, Stiller has most-recently been linked with fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United following the departure of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to Tottenham and Arsenal respectively.
Stiller - Orange
Stiller - Orange
Stiller has been ever-present since joining Stuttgart, as the midfielder has missed just five Bundesliga fixtures since his arrival in 2023 - an essential attribute Rodri has struggled with during recent years.
Like Kimmich, Stiller also identifies as a set-piece specialist, being Stuttgart's dedicated corner and in-direct free-kick taker, with the German notching 25 assists over the previous three campaigns.
The midfielder aligns to a near perfect replacement for Manchester City's midfield maestro, exceeding Rodri's key passes and progressive passes per game, making him well suited to a possession based Enzo Maresca side.
Stiller's reported release clause of £31 million expired last month, with Stuttgart now expecting an improved figure of up to £40 million if they wish to sell their midfield maestro.
Summary
As Manchester City fans have seen over the years with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, and Fernandinho, it is no easy feat to replace a pivotal cog in the midfield.
With the Premier League campaign beginning in just a matter of days, it is essential that Enzo Maresca and Manchester City act quickly to get their suitable replacement, to prevent a slow start to the campaign.