If Rodri leaves Manchester City this summer, the Etihad Stadium team will have to solve one of the most difficult problems since the Pep Guardiola era. The Spanish midfielder is not only the most important link in the midfield but also the player who shaped the entire operation of The Citizens over the years.
Man City seems to have made some preparations. The spending of a record fee to recruit Elliot Anderson is considered the first step in the plan to reduce dependence on Rodri. Although not yet a midfielder with the ability to regulate matches at a similar level, the England international is assessed to possess a physical foundation, comprehensive ability and great development potential.
However, Anderson will not be the direct replacement for Rodri. Instead, Man City is likely to change the way the midfield operates under coach Enzo Maresca.
Unlike Pep Guardiola, Maresca is not too dependent on a midfielder playing the role of a single "conductor". The Italian strategist prefers a system with two central midfielders tasked with sharing the responsibility of passing the ball, pressing and supporting defense, instead of putting the entire burden on an individual.
That means Anderson can play alongside another defensive midfielder to promote his mobility and tackling ability, instead of having to shoulder the entire role that Rodri once took on.
Besides Anderson, Man City still has many options in the squad such as Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez or Nico O'Reilly. These players can all rotate to take positions in the center of midfield, helping Maresca build a more flexible system.
In addition, the Etihad home team is also said to be monitoring Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille. The 18-year-old midfielder impresses with his ability to escape pressing, technique and modern football thinking. If he arrives at Etihad, Bouaddi will be an investment for the future, while creating more depth for the midfield.
In terms of tactics, Man City is also likely to adjust their playing style. If under Guardiola, Rodri was the center in controlling the ball and regulating the pace, Maresca tended to build a more direct system, with high pressing intensity and faster ball circulation speed.
This change will help reduce pressure on an individual, while better exploiting the working ability of young midfielders. Instead of looking for a copy of Rodri, Man City can divide his role among many different players.
Of course, losing Rodri will still be a very big loss. The ability to read situations, intercept and control the tempo of the Spanish midfielder is currently not something that any player in the Man City squad can reproduce.
However, The Citizens are no stranger to transfers. They have been successful after parting ways with Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure or David Silva. If Anderson continues to develop and Maresca successfully builds a new system, the Etihad home team still has a basis to maintain a competitive position for major titles, even when Rodri is no longer there.
