How would you assess Rodri's season?

[Citizen Green]

So Rodri, our big summer signing of 2019 in a position that was crying out for reinforcement.

How would you all assess his first season? Clearly a very astute footballer with good tactical awareness and positioning, however I do feel he would be better with a combative midfielder in there with him in the Fernandinho mold.

I think one of City's biggest issues this past season has been the reduction in our press intensity since the loss of Ferna to the defense, hence teams can play out and get at us easier than in previous seasons. That's not just on Ferna though, the likes of Mahrez who have played more this year don't really have that side of the game in their locker, and yes there is a skill to it.

In short I feel Rodri has been a good signing, and is definitely one for the more tactical chess matches, such as the Bernabeu, but feel he needs some support in there with him in the Prem (not Gundo!) I'm excited to watch him develop over the coming seasons.

 

[Blu1]

A good season but not great. Not helped with having no centre back. Will judge him next season

 

[typicalcity...]

Completely agree with what you say.
Good solid midfielder and astute in some tactical situations like the European games you mention.

just dont think he’s agile enough to press and seems to be run past easily. Player like Auour (sp?) would do him a world of good.

 

[Manchester33]

He's no way near to prime Fernandinho in that role.

Most of our players don't do as well in their first year under Pep, so hopefully, he's better next season.

I think he's a bit big and sluggish, but what do I know.

 

[PannickAtTheDisco]

mediocre.

Pep trying to take us to his Barca ideal and we drop 17 points down the table. He's not mobile enough, we needed a Fernandinho replacement not a wannabe Busquets.

 

[domalino]

When he's played as the lone 6 with pressing midfielders ahead of him, he's been very good.

When he's played with no legs in front of him, he's been exposed and bypassed.

When he's played in a double pivot he's been OK, but the pairing of him and Gundogan is inherently flawed.


Next season I think he'll be excellent.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

Slow.

 

[ManCitizens.]

6.5/10

 

[Manchester_lalala]

He’s a good player but needs to improve next season. His manager needs to help him by picking midfielders that can press teams.

 

[nmc]

Done okay, reads the game quite well, passing is good - just needs to get used to the pace of the game in England and maybe learn a few ‘dark arts‘ from Fern.