Rodri has his moment at the Etihad but he won’t be part of the solution this season | OneFootball

Before Manchester City’s thumping 4-nil defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad yesterday, a special moment occurred. Rodri was presented to the City faithful with the Ballon d’Or. It was a special moment and the presentation put on for Rodri was fitting of his status in the game and at Manchester City.

But as the game unfolded, you could see just how much the champions miss their midfield general. There is also another conclusion that came out of yesterday’s match. The Spanish international won’t be part of the solution to City’s issues for this season.

But first the positive of Rodri’s appearance at the Etihad with the Ballon d’Or. That was a special moment one that was befitting of Rodri and his remarkable achievement. To see Manchester City’s first Ballon d’Or winner celebrated at the Etihad is a moment that will live long in the memory. The fact that it was Rodri on the receiving end of the adulation from the City faithful made it that much more special. City’s midfield general doesn’t chase recognition. He is only focused on team success. But his Ballon d’Or win deserved the treatment it and he received yesterday.

But the negative of the whole affair was the realisation that Rodri won’t be part of the solution to City’s woes on the pitch. His absence was felt as Tottenham tore their way through City’s midfield. The ACL injury he suffered against Arsenal has ended his season. It is doubtful that he will be back at all during this season. The FIFA Club World Cup may see Rodri’s return but that remains to be seen. Manchester City miss their midfield general. That is obvious. Yesterday’s pre-game ceremony was a clear reminder of what Manchester City are missing.

But Rodri won’t be back this season. That’s the sad reality of it all. With each game Manchester City lose they are reminded of his absence. But it is now on his teammates to step up this season to cover his season ending knee injury. Rodri won’t be a part of Pep Guardiola’s solution to City’s current plight. It was great to see him receive his moment at the Etihad yesterday. But that realisation set in as yesterday’s game unfolded.