SUMMARY
- Rodri has set a remarkable record in Premier League history by going undefeated in his last 60 matches for Manchester City.
- Pep Guardiola has emphasized the important role played by Rodri in the team's achievements.
The Spanish midfielder Rodri is one of the most influential figures in Manchester City’s squad. The 27-year-old plays the role of a holding midfielder for City and enables other players around him to be more effective while pushing up the pitch during various stages of a match.
As per the recent reports, after the win by Manchester City over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, Rodri has emerged as the player with the most number of games under his belt without a defeat in the English top-flight history. He hasn’t lost a match while playing for City in his last 60 outings in all the competitions.
🔵 Rodri is now unbeaten in his last 6️⃣0️⃣ matches in all competitions.
It’s the most ever for a player in Premier League history.
Next up: Liverpool-Man City, Sunday. pic.twitter.com/LGlVCN9WSl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2024
The Spain international signed for Manchester City in July 2019. His current contract with the club lies till June 2027. In his 24 outings for Manchester City in the 2023-2024 Premier League season, he has managed to register six assists and six goals to his name.
Pep Guardiola on the importance of Rodri for Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently laid upon the importance of Rodri for his team. The 53-year-old dwelled upon the fact that City couldn’t be as successful as they have been in recent times without the services of the Spanish midfield maestro.
Guardiola reportedly expressed – “All the success Manchester City have had in the last years, especially last season, without Rodri….”. He further pressed upon his point and inflicted – “He’s the same level like Erling (Erling Haaland) without scoring the goals Erling scores”. The club’s boss demonstrated that Haalnd benefits from the pressure exerted by Rodri in the midfield.
From the statement of Pep Guardiola, a genuine appreciation toward Rodri’s work at the middle of the pitch for City can be felt. Also, during the ongoing season, when the 27-year-old player missed a couple of games due to suspension, Guardiola’s side struggled to pick up positive results. This emphasizes that Rodri is an essential part of City’s game plan.
Manchester City gears up to face Liverpool in a title-defining clash
Liverpool sits at the top of the Premier League table with 63 points. Just behind them are the defending champions Manchester City with 62 points to their name. The Reds led by Jurgen Klopp have faced one defeat in their last five outings in the league. On the contrary, Pep Guardiola’s City remain unbeaten in their last five league matches.
When the two sides face each other on March 10, 2024, the result could define the course for the rest of the season. A win for Liverpool will give them a four-point cushion at the top, while a win for City will push them ahead of the Reds and two points clear. The Merseyside club will host the much-anticipated clash at the iconic ground of Anfield.