Rodrigo played a crucial role in securing a late equalizer in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, earning praise from manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola lauded Rodrigo as the best current midfield player globally, commending his versatility in setting the tempo, demonstrating resilience in challenging situations, and contributing both offensively and defensively. Despite his goal-scoring ability showcased in the Chelsea match, Guardiola emphasized Rodrigo’s primary role as a tenacious presence in the midfield, preventing opponents from gaining momentum.

Guardiola recognized Rodrigo’s significance to City’s recent success, stating that their achievements would have been more challenging without him. The manager acknowledged the often understated role of holding midfielders and highlighted the importance of their selfless contributions to the team’s overall performance. Guardiola appreciated Rodrigo’s capability to shine in critical moments, emphasizing the less glamorous nature of his position on the field.

In terms of midfield dynamics, Rodrigo has excelled in the anchor role for several years, with the current season witnessing Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva also occupying deeper positions alongside him. When questioned about the possibility of Kevin De Bruyne playing a similar role, Guardiola dismissed the idea, envisioning De Bruyne wreaking havoc for opponents in higher attacking positions. Guardiola emphasized the desire to utilize De Bruyne’s exceptional football intelligence and talent in the final third, emphasizing that the Belgian should not be burdened with deeper defensive responsibilities. The manager distinguished De Bruyne’s role from that of holding midfielders like Rodri, Gundo, Bernardo, or Kovacic, who often handle defensive duties.