Rodri's serious injury has become a headache for Man City and Pep Guardiola. The Spanish strategist once admitted that Rodri is an irreplaceable player at The Citizens. Pep highly appreciates the ability to control the game, the defensive strength and the intelligence of the EURO 2024 champion.
Rodri is an all-rounder in the defensive midfield role, with the ability to hold position, win the ball back and dictate the tempo of the game. Despite the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, the Etihad outfit have failed to replicate Rodri’s role to the full.
Kovacic excels at controlling the ball under pressure but also loses the ball frequently, leaving his team vulnerable to counter-attacks. Nunes, meanwhile, is physically strong but lacks consistency when controlling the game from deep.
Pep Guardiola knows his squad is lacking a 'positional' defensive midfielder, rather than a player who likes to push forward to find opportunities. So the question is, who can take on Rodri's role and still fit the 53-year-old's footballing philosophy?
In fact, Man City's analysis team has been looking for players who can perform under pressure and meet strict tactical requirements, in order to solve Pep Guardiola's conundrum.
1. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Exequiel Palacios impresses with his ability to hold the ball up when pressed by opponents. However, the Argentine star tends to play it safe, with an average passing distance of just 13.6 meters. This makes the 26-year-old midfielder more of a supporting role than a dictator of the game.
However, Palacios’ presence could provide stability in the midfield, especially if City deploy a two-man midfield system. He is not only good at winning the ball back but also actively participating in attacks with effective short passes through the lines.
2. Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)
Angelo Stiller is the younger player, with a possession-based style and good long-range passing ability. Although not yet a standout physically, the 23-year-old midfielder has shown potential as a holding midfielder. Statistics show that Stiller was involved in 13.8% of Stuttgart's passes last season, reflecting his confidence and great sense of responsibility in his play.
However, Stiller's limitation lies in his inexperience, especially in one-on-one ball disputes. If given the opportunity at Man City, Stiller needs time to adapt and develop.
3. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Martin Zubimendi stands out for his reading of the game and intelligent positioning. The 25-year-old replaced Rodri in the 2022-2023 Nations League final. However, his playing style is quite passive, with a low tackle count compared to top defensive midfielders.
However, the Spanish star is still a strong candidate thanks to his ability to keep the ball, distribute the ball and his tactical flexibility. Convincing Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad mid-season may be a big challenge but this is completely possible with the attraction of the Etihad team.
4. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Bruno Guimaraes is a complete midfielder, with the ability to hold up the ball, escape pressure and contribute strongly in defence. Since joining Newcastle, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's top midfielders. The Brazilian star is also capable of taking on the role of 'conductor' in midfield, linking defence and attack.
However, Newcastle's high transfer fee and determination to keep the player could be a major obstacle to bringing Guimaraes to the Etihad. However, with his familiarity with English football, the 27-year-old midfielder could adapt quickly with half the season already gone.
