Pep Guardiola believes one of his Manchester City stars has actually really ‘grown up’ since he signed for the club in 2019.
Pep takes his squad to the Etihad Stadium today for the biggest game of the season so far – against Arsenal in the Premier League.
There will be no Kyle Walker or John Stones, with the duo picking up injuries while on England duty. But Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne are both expected to feature, with Jack Grealish having also returned.
It will be a fascinating contest, with Arsenal obviously offering a strong challenge in the league.
They are currently top by a single point, making this one of the most exciting title races in years for the neutral.
Key to any victory will be how Rodri plays – and Pep has been speaking about his midfield lynchpin leading up to the game…
Pep Guardiola hails Rodri who has really ‘grown up’ at Manchester City
Rodri has been in remarkable form once again this season.
The Spaniard is integral to the way City play, and his influence within the team is absolutely undeniable.
City have lost four games across all competitions this season, and Rodri was unavailable for all four of those games.
He recently went one year unbeaten for both club and country, which further emphasises what a hugely influential and important player he is.
Pep adores the 27-year-old, and believes he has actually really grown up at the Etihad since signing in 2019. He said (via mancity.com): “Rodri is so important.
“In the big clubs, when you try and win big titles and have big targets, you need incredible players, characters and no injuries and then the situation is in your favour.
“Since Rodri has arrived, he has shown how he has grown up – though, in terms of mentality, he has always been so strong.
“What can I say because I’ve said it so many times? He’s a really important player.”
Rodri has matured and developed amazingly
It has been a pleasure to watch Rodri’s journey at City unfold.
He arrived at the club in 2019 for a reported £63 million, and during his first season, he certainly struggled at times while adapting to the Premier League.
It’s safe to say that he is now one of the best players in the league, and definitely one of the very best players in the world.
The £220,000-a-week star is such a force in that midfield, and all his City teammates know it. Even Declan Rice has said that the England City players have told him that they feel the difference when he does not play.
Rodri is a fearsome opponent and a leader, and he could very possibly be talked about as the greatest holding midfielder ever when he comes to hand up his boots.