Manchester City captain Kyle Walker may have hoisted the FIFA Club World Cup to joyful celebrations, but there was concern that crucial midfielder Rodri was hobbling.

As the clock ran down on a routine against Fluminense in Brazil, the Spaniard was knocked out by a lunging tackle from opponent Alexsander.

The midfielder’s scissor action as he crashed with the Spaniard appeared to have done considerable harm, as Rodri sprung up grabbing his leg and collapsed on the turf.

We never got to see a genuine test of whether the midfielder had suffered major injury since City scored three minutes after he returned limping from the touchline and he was substituted as a precaution.

When it came time to present the awards, Rodri was the first to take the stage. He won Player of the Tournament to go along with his UEFA Player of the Season trophy from a few months before.

Rodri is an extremely significant player for City, as evidenced by his numerous awards.

Some experts, such as former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, believe he is the man on whom everything hinges.

“Yeah, they lose without him,” he stated on the YouTube show FIVE. “Last season, I said he was the most essential player on any club in the league. Last year. He is the only player on the team who cannot be replaced.

“Pep Guardiola can have all the talent in the world, but Rodri is absolutely irreplaceable,” recently acknowledged Paul Merson.

“He’s like the diesel or the petrol in the car – you can have the best cars in the world, but it won’t function unless there’s fuel.”

The stats for this season provide credence to such assertions. Manchester City has lost every game Rodri has missed, including losses to Wolves, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.

While much has been made of Kalvin Phillips’ inability to cover for the Spaniard, an important issue has been overlooked: City let manager Pep Guardiola’s trusted deputy for Rodri’s defensive midfield duty leave in the summer for nothing.

Ilkay Gundogan’s attacking brilliance and strong leadership were lauded when he departed Manchester City for Barcelona in the summer.

Fans and commentators alike recalled his title-winning brace against Aston Villa or the two goals that defeated Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup final after he captained the team to an unprecedented Treble.

But Gundogan’s brilliance extended far beyond that; as skilled as he was up front, he was equally astute at the back.

Consider last season’s 6-3 win over Manchester United, delivered with Gundogan in the position of Rodri, or the 2-1 home win against Leeds United, in which he also scored a brace.

Before joining City, Gundogan would deputize for the influential Fernadinho, whom he would eventually replace as club captain.

Unlike both of those players, the German isn’t recognized for his muscular presence; instead, his dominant performances were built on the type of measured passing that Pep Guardiola values.

A fact that did not escape the coach’s notice.

“He is a guy who plays close to the box and has an incredible sense of the goal.” Last season, Guardiola gushed,

“However, he can play defensive holding midfield with ease.” He demonstrated this many years ago when Fernandinho was injured. He is a guy who handles pressure quite well.”

“As a captain, he doesn’t say much, but when he does, everyone listens.” This is a leader’s power. In every training session, he demonstrates leadership. Arriving on time and working 24 hours a day. He plays like if he’s playing right now.”

Although Gundogan is now 33, you have to wonder why City did not grant him the deal he desired.

He may have had a poor injury record earlier in his career, but the midfielder was never a player who relied on speed or physicality. If it was a risk, the benefits have to outweigh the risks.

Given that Fernandinho was still playing a significant part for City in his mid-30s, Gundogan is expected to do the same.

His post-Citizens destination gives an idea of the level he still retains. After being pursued by title contenders Arsenal, the German went on to play a major role at Barcelona.

These are not the clubs that would have wanted his services if his talent had waned.

Perhaps it is fitting that he ends up at Barcelona under Xavi, as this is one of the few players against whom he can be evaluated fairly.

When the Spanish legend pushed for his signature, he may have seen a kindred spirit.

“There’s almost no one you can compare to Xavi in terms of legacy and impact in football, but in terms of who would be closest to a ‘Xavi-esque’ player, there are not many better names than Gundogan,” a high-ranking member of the City hierarchy told The Athletic.