Despite the fact that Manchester City’s roster is comprised of players of international caliber, Rodri, a defensive midfielder, may be the most crucial contributor to the Blues’ triumph.

Already in this season, Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled in his absence during a portion of City’s contests due to Rodri’s absence. Although Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips are both accomplished players, they have been unable to compensate for his absence.

Rodri was issued a three-match suspension and missed City’s September match against Nottingham Forest due to violent behavior, which earned him a direct red card. As a result, Rodri was also unavailable against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Wolves, and Arsenal in the Premier League.

Many believed that the Blues would be able to handle City’s depth of talent; however, they lost all three, an unprecedented occurrence under Pep Guardiola.

This circumstance raised the inquiry regarding Rodri’s status as the preeminent player in City’s squad. Julian Alvarez has stepped up as City’s standout attacking midfielder this season, as he is one of the few players to have started every Premier League game for the Blues this season. De Bruyne’s absence for the majority of the season has reinforced Guardiola’s emphasis on squad depth.

Following Rodri’s completion of his suspension, City resumed its winning ways against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Brighton by a score of 2-1, and local rivals Manchester United by a score of 3-0; these results assisted Rodri’s squad in reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League standings.

City relies heavily on Rodri to manage the park’s center, employing both offensive and defensive strategies. Notwithstanding his lack of focus against Nottingham Forest, in the innumerable appearances he has made for the Premier League leaders, he has rarely put forth a subpar effort.

City maintains possession for the duration of games, and Rodri is a key factor in that. His passing is crucial to City’s performance and assists Pep Guardiola in achieving his objectives.

The Blues are concerned that Rodri will sustain an additional suspension or injury this season. Liverpool, Spurs, and Aston Villa, all of which are in first place in the Premier League, comprise City’s difficult stretch of games following the international break. Rodri is presently saddled with four yellow cards; should he accumulate another caution against Liverpool, he will be unable to attend the pivotal match against Spurs on December 3.