#16 | Rodri - 2020/21 Performances

[decmancity]

I was wrong, he does play better when he has runners around him.

I'm still concerned how he'd fare against a team that presses but he's much better with Bernardo around him.

I understand what your saying but Rodri is very good on the ball and keeping hold of it where needed, if a team is pressing him then its also on his own teammates to provide him with that out ball. Seen a few occasions this season when he has got a hospital pass into feet and then Gundogan has stood idly by him or perhaps Walker been half asleep and not given him the option.

The team as a whole has to do better, in all phases of the game. Then we don't have to give up easy chances that likely end up isolating Rodri by himself as hes likely the only player standing between the defence and the opposition.

For some, its laughable that Rodri has to be "surrounded by legs" to make it work but thats the truth. I refuse to believe we didn't already know that when we bought him. Look at the Atletico Madrid midfield, its got; Koke, Llorente, Saul and Partey at the time, all very high energy midfielders. Rodri sat at the base and did his job whilst the others did theres.

Too many times this season we have seen the exact same situation, us losing the ball high up the pitch and then Mahrez and Gundogan ambling back without putting a foot in, then maybe KDB try a tackle but not get it and then you have players streaming past Rodri. At the end of the game, "Rodri is shit".

I am convinced that if we can get a back four on the pitch for more than 3 games in a row, keep KDB and Bernardo alongside Rodri and have more work from the front 3, ideally it would be Jesus, Sterling and Torres. Then we will see a different team.

 

[borassic]

So much better when he’s alone and knows his job. Gonna score some bangers

 

[doobyedoobye]

He looks more composed now he knows who's behind him

 

[SebastianBlue]

Was always thus — he’ll no doubt continue to change people’s opinions to be more favourable with each match.

 

[PannickAtTheDisco]

Was always thus — he’ll no doubt continue to change people’s opinions to be more favourable with each match.

if people keep covering his arse for him, then it will lull people into a false sense of security for sure.

 

[SebastianBlue]

if people keep covering his arse for him, then it will lull people into a false sense of security for sure.

 

[PannickAtTheDisco]

Plodri.

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

Was always thus — he’ll no doubt continue to change people’s opinions to be more favourable with each match.

Still plenty of doubt for me at this stage

 

[decmancity]

Still plenty of doubt for me at this stage

Why?

Rodri is what he is, he isn't going to become a different player. Putting a more solid team around him (like anybody) is going to make them better. For some people though that is a crime (not aimed at you specifically).

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

Why?

Rodri is what he is, he isn't going to become a different player. Putting a more solid team around him (like anybody) is going to make them better. For some people though that is a crime (not aimed at you specifically).

Because on the whole he's been under par and a good game against sheffield isn't enough evidence for me to suggest that he might not carry on being under par. If we've already seen what he is and everything he's capable of then I don't think it's good enough but if this is the start of long term improvement then fingers crossed