Rodri When we think of the star players at Manchester City, names like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero come to mind. However, there is one player who has been quietly making a huge impact on the team’s success – Rodri. Despite starting his career as a relatively unknown player, the 25-year-old midfielder has quickly established himself as an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Find out with ok9!
From Atletico Madrid to Premier League Champion: Rodri’s Journey
Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, more commonly known as Rodri, was born in Madrid, Spain on June 22nd, 1996. He began his football career at local club Rayo Majadahonda before joining Atletico Madrid’s youth academy at the age of nine. He progressed through the ranks and made his first team debut in 2018.
Atletico Madrid’s style of play is often characterized as defensive and physical, which is reflected in their midfielders’ roles. This suits Rodri perfectly, as he possesses a combination of strength, intelligence, and technical ability. He quickly became a key player for Atletico, helping them to a second place finish in La Liga and a UEFA Super Cup win in his first season.
Physicality and Defensive Abilities
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, Rodri stands out on the football field. His height gives him an advantage in aerial duels and allows him to cover a lot of ground with his long strides. But it’s not just his physical attributes that make him stand out – it’s how he uses them.
Rodri is incredibly strong and has excellent positioning, making him difficult to push off the ball. He also has an impressive tackling ability, thanks to his timing and reading of the game. In his first season at Manchester City, he won 66% of his tackles, which is higher than any other midfielder at the club.
But it’s not just about winning individual battles for Rodri – he also excels in intercepting passes and breaking up opposition attacks. He reads the game well and knows when to step in and make a crucial interception, often preventing dangerous opportunities for the opposing team.
Passing Ability and Playmaking Skills
While Rodri’s defensive abilities are highly praised, he is also an excellent passer of the ball. He has a passing accuracy rate of 91%, with an average of over 80 passes per game. His distribution is intelligent and precise, allowing him to control the tempo of the game and dictate play from deep in midfield.
One of the key aspects of Rodri’s playmaking skills is his ability to switch the play. He can quickly change the direction of an attack with a long-range pass or a simple switch of the play. This keeps the opposition on their toes and allows Manchester City to create more space in the final third.
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Versatility and Adaptability
One of the most impressive aspects of Rodri’s game is his versatility. While he is primarily a defensive midfielder, he is comfortable playing in a variety of roles. At Atletico Madrid, he often played as a central defender in a back three, showcasing his ability to read the game and defend in different systems.
Impact on Manchester City’s Success
In his first season at Manchester City, Rodri made 40 appearances in all competitions and became a regular starter for Guardiola’s side. Despite facing competition from the likes of Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan, he quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the team.
His impact on the team’s success cannot be understated. He provides a solid defensive foundation for Manchester City, allowing their attacking players the freedom to create and score goals. He also plays a crucial role in transitioning from defense to attack, often starting attacks with his precise passing and intelligent movement.
While he may not grab the headlines like some of his teammates, Rodri’s importance to the team cannot be overlooked. In fact, Manchester City only lost one Premier League game in which he started in the 2019/20 season. His composure and calmness on the ball have been crucial in tight games, and his presence in midfield gives confidence to the rest of the team.
Conclusion
Rodri may not receive as much recognition as some of his fellow Manchester City stars, but he is undoubtedly one of the key pieces in their dominant success over the past two years. His journey from Atletico Madrid to Premier League champion has been remarkable, and he continues to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.