Manchester City’s long-term Rodri replacement may already be at the club, but on-loan in Serie A | OneFootball

One of Manchester City’s highly-rated young talents has this week admitted to Rodri being his ‘role model’ within the game, as he continues to excel in Italian football.

Those are the words of on-loan Argentine youth international midfielder Maximo Perrone, who joined Manchester City’s project as a talent to be developed throughout the City Football Group and within the first-team operation.

Perrone impressed many onlookers during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States last summer, operating throughout Manchester City’s midfield and even grabbing a goal as part of his on-field contributions.

Speaking whilst away with the club in the USA, Perrone said of Manchester City, “They’ve shown we’re the best team in the world again.

“Even though they didn’t obtain all titles like last season, the way they play shows why they’re the best. It’s a place you enjoy and learn a lot. I’m enjoying being back at Manchester City every day.”

However, despite the impressive nature of his performances during the pre-season tour, and Manchester City fans crying out for the player to be granted opportunities within the first-team squad this season, an agreement was reached with Serie A side FC Como over a loan.

Speaking this week to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Maximo Perrone admitted that not only is his role model Manchester City’s Rodri, but that the philosophy being installed into the Como side by Cesc Fabregas is modelled on Pep Guardiola’s own vision.

“I like quality midfielders who set up attacks,” Perrone said earlier this week, as translated and relayed by Football Italia. “This is the style of play I identify with. A role model? Rodri.”

He continued by discussing his current head coach over in Italy, “(Cesc) Fabregas has the same DNA as (Pep) Guardiola. He wants to play the ball, press high, and bring many players to the middle of the pitch. I think these aspects are our strengths.”

Despite Rodri’s long-term injury and Pep Guardiola looking into potential solutions for the defensive midfield role at present, it remains unknown as to whether Manchester City have the option to recall Maximo Perrone from his loan deal should they decide to.

The January transfer window will naturally present the Premier League champions with an opportunity to assess the market, and ultimately make a decision on whether to invest in the defensive midfield role through a new addition to the squad.

The likes of Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and Torino’s Samuele Ricci have been tipped as possible targets for Manchester City to explore in the transfer market, but it is currently unknown whether either player will be a viable option financially.