Things i like about Rodri in this team:
- ability to break the lines with a pass and not scared to try
- ability to find the out-ball when in a dangerous press
- adds more height and uses it quite well
- quite quick with the ball at his feet when moving forwards and can break the lines by just running through
- thunder-bastard of a shot, something we don't try much.
Things he needs to improve:
- when he loses the ball, it's always in a position where we can't afford to because they can easily by-pass him on the break
- his reactionary time when losing the ball needs working on as does his turning speed. If you can't get the ball you need to slow it down enough that others can get in position.
- although he breaks lines, he doesn't try and play killer balls. This is something you will remember that Fern did on occasions which got us some good goals. He 100% has the ability to do this.
- What he lacks in speed, he should make up in positioning. At times his positioning is top class but then other times he's just not got it and then we're fucked as he's over-committed.
- although he is great with the out-ball, i feel he puts himself in unnecessary positions by being slow on the ball when he doesn't need to sometimes. This is something that Fern did as well, it may be something that Pep wants them to do.
All in all, been a decent first season. The issue is that it seems Pep had gone balls-deep on this signing and can't see past making it work. Due to the importance of the position, we probably needed someone to come in and immediately be the best, someone like Kante, but i think Rodri will get where we need him to be.