Rodri has been a regular for Manchester City this season, featuring in 31 games across the board, but his future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain amid interest from Barcelona.
The Catalans want a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets and have identified Rodri as his likely successor, but Paul Robinson believes City would ‘miss him’ dearly if sold as he’s a ‘Rolls-Royce’ player.
He told Football Insider: “It would be a huge blow for Man City if Rodri was to leave. They would miss him dearly. He has been a Rolls-Royce in that Man City midfield over the past few seasons. He has been the perfect replacement for Fernandinho.”
The 26-year-old hasn’t been at his best this season, but Pep Guardiola couldn’t be without him. He doesn’t trust Kalvin Phillips to deputise in Rodri’s absence, having recently signed Maximo Perrone as more backup in midfield, so City can’t afford to lose him.
The Spanish international is first in the City squad for tackles per game (2.2) and first for interceptions per game (1.1), so he’s very valuable. Phillips is 21st in the squad for tackles and interceptions, as he’s not played enough Premier League football this season to make a telling impact.
If Guardiola sold Rodri in the coming months, City would have to sign a replacement in the transfer market because Phillips hasn’t been able to prove himself in Manchester. He’s spent his debut season either injured or on the bench.
In other news, Paul Robinson may be right about ‘issues’ between Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola
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