Bernardo Silva makes stark comparison between Rodri and Manchester City teammates | OneFootball

Rodri’s ‘bad level’ usurps the top-end levels of some of his Manchester City teammates, according to club captain Bernardo Silva.

The Spanish midfielder has been working his way back to top fitness following a serious knee injury that forced him to miss the majority of the 2024/25 season, with his absence felt across Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Manchester City subsequently struggled particularly during the autumn and winter months when results dipped and the team slipped away from a Premier League title race, and for many inside the club, Rodri’s presence is seen as irreplaceable.

Pep Guardiola has previously spoken about the need to manage Rodri’s minutes carefully, especially during a demanding schedule that includes fixtures across four different competitions, following on from a FIFA Club World Cup campaign over the summer.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner himself has admitted that he cannot yet hit the same imperious levels he displayed before his injury, but remains optimistic about building back to full sharpness in the coming months.

Speaking this week during a new interview with Stadium Astro, Rodri and Bernardo Silva spoke about the former’s return to action off the back of his serious knee injury that ruled him out for the majority of last season.

“No, of course not,” Rodri insisted when asked whether he felt back to his imperious best.

“I’m starting my recovery, as you can say. I want to be smart, don’t try to frustrate me in that way to reach that level,” he continued.

“I’m starting, I’m trying to improve every game, be physically strong, be able to play every three days, and we’ll talk about January or February to recover the level. At the minute, I’m very happy, coming back. Football, I miss football a lot.”

Offering his own thoughts on the importance of Rodri’s return, Bernardo Silva commented, “Rodri on a bad level is much better than some players on a very good level, so we’re happy to have him back!”

A timeline that sees Rodri return to his imperious best by the turn of the year could prove crucial for Manchester City, who will be expected to be entering the knockout stages of the Champions League and the business end of the domestic campaign.

For Pep Guardiola, the reassurance of having Rodri available – even below peak condition – offers tactical stability and leadership in midfield, while Bernardo Silva’s comments underline just how valued the Spaniard is within the dressing room.

If Manchester City can secure a contract extension for Rodri in the coming weeks and months while he regains form, it would represent a double victory for all, ensuring both immediate influence on the pitch and long-term security off it, fending off Real Madrid’s long-standing interest.