How would you assess Rodri's season?

[EdersonsSmiley]

We should have gone after Kante when Chelsea started playing him out wide instead of the middle and he was clearly not happy with that - we could have offered him that role and he would have slotted in very well

Do you not think there is a reason Kante got moved out of position? Its because he is awful on the ball and doesnt fit the possession based style that Chelsea (especially Sarri at the time) want to be. So many posters on here think pace and mobility is the only thing a midfielder needs but will then go and slag off Henderson and say he is dogshit even though he is exactly the player they are describing that we apparently need!!

 

[skyblues]

I’m trying to figure out how he can improve next season.

I still believe he has some pace but he need to defend much better. He has to realize his role in midfield is to defend and not just pass the ball sideways. Also, his overall awareness needs to improve a lot. He lost the ball so many times in dangerous areas either not seeing the opposition coming or releasing his pass too late.

I still think he’s a quality footballer but as for CDM-position right now, I even prefer a 35-year old Fernandinho because of the way he defend.

 

[EdersonsSmiley]

Think he has a touch of Javi Martinez about him. Very good positionally and on the ball but far too slow to play in midfield.

Think he could make a cracking CB though.

Bayern won the CL final with Martinez starting in Centre midfield alongside Schweinsteiger, there is no need for supreme athleticism in the middle.

 

[01cravend]

Simply put, you can't take him out of a midfield next to Saul and plop him in one next to Gundogan and expect the same results.

 

[Marvin]

Do you not think there is a reason Kante got moved out of position? Its because he is awful on the ball and doesnt fit the possession based style that Chelsea (especially Sarri at the time) want to be. So many posters on here think pace and mobility is the only thing a midfielder needs but will then go and slag off Henderson and say he is dogshit even though he is exactly the player they are describing that we apparently need!!

I think Rodri is a very good player. He has a combination of physicality and great quality on the ball but he does have a lack of mobility.

Barry played a similar role for City and was outstanding. In theory then you can play that defensive midfield lynchpin without being quick, but that said the game has got significantly faster.

I am hoping that Rodri can settle in at City if he is surrounded by quicker players like Foden and Bernardo rather than Gundogand and David Silva

However this is a hope. Should we just be hoepful though?

I'd look at Luiz at Villa. He has shown he can do a job, and let those two players cover that position. There's also Tommy Doyle coming through.

 

[BillyShears]

How so if Rodri is getting bypassed in midfield on the counter? As I said I think the issue is that we don't press with the same intensity therefore exposing the defense to more attacks.

You may well be right. I feel as though having pace and athleticism around him even behind in the CB position will help him.

 

[Blue Hefner]

About as well as could be expected given his obvious skill shortage

I was worried when I watched him preseason and nothing I’ve seen since has particularly impressed me

D-

 

[oldius]

He has a decent beginning but most new players from foreign leagues have taken a season to adapt, he is no different. He is technically and physically strong, has good positional sense and is an excellent passer of the ball. He is not especially mobile so needs at least one mobile midfielder alongside him.

 

[domalino]

Simply put, you can't take him out of a midfield next to Saul and plop him in one next to Gundogan and expect the same results.

I know a really good solution to that...might cost £60m though and Puma would have to print a bunch of ú 's

 

[Stoned Rose]

Imagine having Javi Garcia as your record signing.

That's us.