16 | Rodri - 2021/22 Performances

[Rammy Blue]

No player is without strengths and weaknesses and the genius is in blending those strengths. You are correct, he needs an engine alongside him just as others will need his positional sense and composure alongside them, as well as his aerial prowess and strength. He and Bernardo have a huge amount of promise as a partnership.

Hopefully Pep will finally realise that it’s difficult to get away with both Rodders and Gundo in the same midfield, especially so if Kev is in there too.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

Not surprised at all, thought he was excellent for most of last season tbh although started looking a bit knackered towards the end of the season which probably played a part in Pep's CL final team selection nightmare. In terms of the way supporters view him, he is basically Gareth Barry - absolutely critical to the team but lots of supporters not convinced that he's any good.

 

[samarasra]

Where are all the dickheads who still think he’s shite now then eh?

Hiding behind the sofa as he featured on MOTD tonight !!

 

[FantasyIreland]

His ability to read the game and intelligence more than makes up for his so called lack of mobility.

It's still a weakness however you dress it up or pretend it doesn't exist.

Yesterdays line up proved it can be very much compensated for though,as he was given the platform to dominate and dictate and,subsequently,he looked world class.
In a team with less energy/drive and enthusiasm he will occasionally be exposed again.

 

[Dax777]

Casemiro? The Bayern lad who's on steds? I agree btw I'm just trying to think of who!

Not Casemiro. But dude on Syed's is up there.

 

[Keeper!]

It's still a weakness however you dress it up or pretend it doesn't exist.

Yesterdays line up proved it can be very much compensated for though,as he was given the platform to dominate and dictate and,subsequently,he looked world class.
In a team with less energy/drive and enthusiasm he will occasionally be exposed again.

Rodri is not the weakness, he is a class player.

You can't play Gundo, Fern of KDB next to him, you need some energy and pace.

 

[DATOIA]

Rodri needs low tempo game until the ball arrives in the final third.. When ball is there, then he can choose the position and be ready for counter attacks

Problem happens when until the final third - ball is lost due to some spontaneous decision or long ball or just an error and tempo is faster, game becomes dynamic and unpredictable

Bernardo is the most efficient in that term
1) He always retains the ball and there are no such errors
2) He doesn’t play long balls and always prefers small passes
3) He slows the tempo with that 360 turn arounds and etc. like merlin used to do

So when you have all these three - Rodri does his best and is exceptional

 

[oldius]

Rodri needs low tempo game until the ball arrives in the final third.. When ball is there, then he can choose the position and be ready for counter attacks

Problem happens when until the final third - ball is lost due to some spontaneous decision or long ball or just an error and tempo is faster, game becomes dynamic and unpredictable

Bernardo is the most efficient in that term
1) He always retains the ball and there are no such errors
2) He doesn’t play long balls and always prefers small passes
3) He slows the tempo with that 360 turn arounds and etc. like merlin used to do

So when you have all these three - Rodri does his best and is exceptional

I agree with much of what you say and it is absolutely why, with our style of play, there is so little room for error. If your defenders and CDMs sit deep, like Chelsea, a lost ball still sees plenty of cover. If you play a high line and a mistake is made, the unexpected turnover creates some chaos. Anyone thinking that a highly mobile CDM is the solution to this problem is mistaken, in my view, as nobody can cover all the spaces that emerge in such a situation. The key is what you say about Bernardo, who simply never loses the ball. We could also add Grealish into that who is very reliable with the ball at his feet.

 

[Craig]

Rodri is not the weakness, he is a class player.

You can't play Gundo, Fern of KDB next to him, you need some energy and pace.

Strange comment about pace with Kev when alongside Rodri on Saturday was someone miles slower.Bernie was brilliant and has energy to burn but very much lacks pace that’s the only thing stopping him being one of the best in the world further forward.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Rodri is not the weakness, he is a class player.

You can't play Gundo, Fern of KDB next to him, you need some energy and pace.

You clearly haven't read/understood my comments,as that is what i have been saying.