‘The next Sergio Busquets’, many regarded him when Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City pushed that boost button to bring him from Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard was already known for his maniac football understandings and when you mix it up with that of Pep Guardiola, ultimate destruction is about but guaranteed.
Rodri has operated as a base for City’s midfield, a position which holds key in Pep’s way of football – a position Pep himself played him during his playing days for Barcelona.
The 23-yer-old has produced some catchy performances for the Cityzens but has also started in all of City’s three defeates this campaign, the latest of which came against Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend which leaves them nine points behind league leaders and late rivals Liverpool.
Though, he is still settling into his life in Manchester and the rusty way of Premier League as Rodri explains his progress playing under Guardiola.
“I haven’t been there much time, but since the beginning of the season I have added a lot of new knowledge,” he said.
“[Guardiola] is how he shows himself in front of the cameras. He has a competitive edge, this desire to put pressure on the rivals, to study and analyse how to harm them. He is a workaholic, he dedicates the 24 hours of the day to his players, to himself and to find the way to win matches.
“At an individual level, it has helped me a lot that he played in the same position than me. He gives me lots of advice on how he sees football. I am growing a lot, not only tactically, but individually in many aspects I wasn’t aware that a central midfielder should have, like driving the ball – something that is demanded in the Premier League.
“Obviously there are more factors than the coach that have an influence, but we have the best coach in that sense.”
Injuries to some of the men at the back has also led Rodri pressed into defensive duties as an emergency centre-back for couple of consecutive games against Crystal Palace and Atalanta last month.
“I am discovering myself also as a player. Guardiola asked me how I see myself there [as central defender] and I decided to try because the team needed me,” he explained.
“Obviously there is always a time of adaptation, but because of my physical and technical characteristics, I also think that there is something in common with my normal position, apart from certain new aspects.
“It is true that the new position is a bit more delicate, but with time I think I could perfectly adapt myself.
“My virtues make me shine more as central midfielder, but with time I could also do well as central defender.”
Rodri, as of now, is ready to continue working hard and establish his place into City’s midfield as he noted the pace as major difference between football in England and that back in Spain.
“The Premier League is, along with La Liga, the most competitive league,” Rodri added.
“This football is more vertical and makes you learn because you are not used to it. I am a more complete player.
“There are great teams in England that make you compete at the maximum level, the same as here in Spain. I feel I have a big room for improvement.”
