Will a familiar face step into Rodri’s role in the near future? | OneFootball

How Manchester City cover Rodri’s role in their midfield is a fascinating story to watch unfold over the coming months. Pep Guardiola does have a host of players who can step into one of the most important roles in his team’s set-up. Players such as Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan, Matheus Nunes and even Manuel Akanji can step into Rodri’s role. But a familiar face in John Stones has put his hand up to step into midfield if required.

There is no doubt that John Stones can play in midfield. He has the technical and tactical ability to play as a midfielder. He showed this throughout Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign during the 22/23 season. There’s an argument to be made that the role that Stones played that season was crucial to City claiming the treble. Unfortunately, injuries severely hampered John Stones during the 23/24 season. This meant that the role that Stones played last season was played by Manuel Akanji and others at times. But the England international is now fully fit and appears willing to step into Rodri’s shoes if required.

Speaking before Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava John Stones said he is ready to step into midfield if required. Stones added that it is a role he has successfully played before. He told the media: “If called upon 100%. It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me [but] I enjoyed it. Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.”

Manchester City have a host of players capable of stepping into Rodri’s midfield role. Each player brings their own strengths to the position, although none can fully replace Rodri. History may say that it was John Stones who was best suited to fill in for City’s midfield general. He has played the role before and shone. Stones appears to be prepared to do so again. That is a great sign for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.