Pep Guardiola does not lack personnel to replace Rodri, but the problem is that there is no one of the same class as the Spanish midfielder. Mateo Kovacic was the leading candidate, but he could not control the game like Rodri. Matheus Nunes, meanwhile, has failed to make much of an impact since moving to the Etihad.
Kalvin Phillips could have been a useful option if he had remained at the club, but the former Leeds man has been a bit player under Guardiola. Therefore, this will not be considered a real solution.
In the current context, John Stones is perhaps the most viable replacement. The English player has moved from the usual centre-back position to a holding midfielder role in the final stages of the 2022-2023 season. But Stones has succeeded in this position because he has played alongside Rodri, almost in a teacher-student relationship.
Without Rodri's experience, vision and ability to adapt, the question Guardiola must answer is whether Stones can be so effective when playing with Kovacic.
The next option is to wait until the transfer window reopens in January. Man City, with a net profit of £99 million in the summer transfer window, will have enough money to sign a world-class player. However, by then, the hearing into 115 financial allegations would create another pressure on The Citizens.
Last Monday (local time), the independent hearing into 115 financial allegations against Man City began. The number of allegations has since increased to 130 and could cost the club a large fine and more points deductions.
If this is at a disadvantage for Man City, signing a player in that context would be a difficult challenge. Therefore, it is unpredictable how much damage Rodri's loss will do to Man City in the title race.
Arsenal and Liverpool, who are likely to dethrone Man City as Premier League champions, will make the most of Rodri's absence. In other words, they will test the Citizens' chances of winning without the EURO 2024 champions.
Rodri is definitely a world-class player, only Vinicius Junior is rated higher than him in the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The midfielder was also named the best player at EURO 2024. Therefore, Rodri's prestige is unquestionable.
However, what is doubtful is Man City's ability to cope without Rodri. Moreover, this is a season in which they have to overcome too many challenges, both on and off the pitch.
