At Anfield the signs were there that a Manchester City midfielder is getting back to his best | OneFootball

This season has been a frustrating one for Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has been battling to return to his best. Rodri sustained an ACL injury last season, and throughout this season, he has battled nagging injuries and, at times, faced a battle with himself so to speak to get back to his best. It has taken time for Rodri to work his way back. Against Liverpool last night, Rodri played an important role for Manchester City in their pivotal 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield. It was clear at the final whistle yesterday that the signs are there that Rodri is getting back to his best after an understandably frustrating experience this season.

Rodri battled through at Anfield to play key role in a special Manchester City win.

As much as Bernardo Silva was superb last night at Anfield, Rodri was just as brilliant, especially in the first half. Rodri’s second-half display wasn’t as smooth as his first-half display, but he battled through fatigue and Liverpool’s efforts to play a key role in Manchester City’s huge win.

In the first half, Rodri played a key role in the dominance that Pep Guardiola’s side had over Liverpool. Manchester City were by far and away the better team in the first half of yesterday’s match. Rodri played a key role in City’s first half display. His passing was on point, and Rodri’s cross-field balls were a highlight of his display. The Spanish midfielder also broke lines superbly well as his passing was a highlight of his display. Rodri also read the danger when Liverpool went forward extremely well and helped his team play out from the back when Arne Slot’s side pressed City at the back. Rodri’s first half performance was superb and it was reminiscent of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or winning displays.

In the second half, Liverpool came at Pep Guardiola’s side and the dynamic of the game changed. Arne Slot’s side came at City and the visitors had to dig in to stay in the game. In the case of Rodri, he did look like he was struggling physically in the face of Liverpool’s second half onslaught. But to his credit, Rodri, like his team, came through that spell. When the game had to be won by Manchester City, Rodri helped ensure that his team left Anfield with all three points which could be crucial in this season’s title race and for the development of this new-look Manchester City team.

The signs are there that Rodri is getting back to his best.

Last night’s performance from Rodri felt like a moment for a Ballon d’Or winner. In a big game, against a team at a venue where City typically struggle, Rodri put in a quality performance. Rodri’s performance represents a victory for the Spanish midfielder. This season has been frustrating for him, and at times you can sense that he has been frustrated with himself and his body. At Anfield yesterday, Rodri was a vital contributor in a big game for his team. Rodri playing well in big games isn’t a story in itself. He is a proven big-game player for Manchester City. But after the battle with his body that he has endured this season, the performance from Rodri felt like a significant moment in his season and his bid to get back to being the midfielder that dominated European football before injury struck.