There is one return to come for Manchester City that could add another element to their play | OneFootball

As Manchester City enter the brief Christmas break they are well-placed to kick on from the solid platform that they have built. Pep Guardiola’s side are second in the Premier League, in a good position in the Champions League, and have a semi-final tie in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle United to look forward to. They have done all of this without a significant contribution from Rodri. Nico has filled the void left by Rodri’s absence superbly well this season. As good as Nico has been, City will be hoping to have Rodri back sooner rather than later to add another dimension to their play.

Nico’s impressive form has helped break the reliance Manchester City had on Rodri.

It used to be that if Rodri was out, Manchester City would struggle. That stood out last season and has done ever since Rodri became the heart of Manchester City’s midfield. It is no surprise that City weren’t the same team with their Ballon d’Or winner missing. This season has been a different story as Nico’s rise and strong form have allowed City and Rodri to take their time with the Ballon d’Or winner’s return.

Rodri has only made eight appearances this season. He has also missed Manchester City’s past eleven matches as he continues to work his way back to full fitness. In that time, Nico has become an important player for his team. Nico has made the number six role his own and plays it in a different style to that of Rodri. When Rodri eventually does return, the Manchester City midfield will possess two quality options to play the number six role and that will be needed across the latter stages of this season.

Rodri is working his way back to full fitness and when he returns City will have a calming presence in midfield.

Kolo Toure informed the media ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace that Rodri was training and working his way back to full fitness. That match was just under two weeks ago and City have played two matches since their win at Selhurst Park. Rodri is yet to return. But when he does, and he’s back fully fit, and has his touch and form back, Pep Guardiola’s side will be regaining a Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the world’s best midfielder.

Outside of Rodri’s strengths as a player, he also adds a sense of calm to his team’s play. Pep Guardiola spoke of this after his team’s nail-biting 5-4 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. In quotes relayed by ESPN, Guardiola said: “Another level. If Rodri came on for the last 20 minutes against Fulham, put right in the middle, do you know the effect?”

“Just his presence, not even touching the ball? The other 10 players feel safe, better. They play better even if he doesn’t touch the ball. Just the fact that he is there. And for one year and a half we didn’t have it.”

Summary.

Nico has done a superb job stepping into the Rodri role this season. He has grown as a player and is an important component of Pep Guardiola’s squad. As good as Nico is, and has been this season, Rodri adds a different element altogether to Manchester City’s play. His presence adds a sense of calm to the entire City lineup and his play in midfield will make City a more formidable opponent.

Not many teams have a Ballon d’Or winner to return to their ranks. Manchester City do. The hope is that Rodri can return sooner rather than later and begin the process of rediscovering his touch and match fitness. When he is fully fit City will have a key player back and they will be immediately stronger. That is a frightening proposition for Manchester City’s rivals and an exciting one to look forward to for everyone associated with Manchester City.