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Rodri absence makes heart grow fonderpublished at 14:11 2 November

14:11 2 November

Man City v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Image source, BBC Sport

With Manchester City’s recent dip in form coinciding with Rodri’s absence from the team, it has shown how important he is to the side. He gives the team confidence, knowing that there is a holding player sat there.

I think some time ago Pep Guardiola became really concerned about his team being counter-attacked when they had so much control. He is very much concerned about keeping full control of the game and not leaving any gaps for the counter. When Rodri is there he feels they are in a much better situation.

Full-backs can go knowing there is extra cover and Rodri understands his role comes into play when he helps the centre-backs. He gets out to wider areas and allows a player like Ruben Dias to go further forward as he can step back into those positions. Defensively that is so important and I think that is what he was brought in to become.

What Rodri has developed over the years for me with Guardiola is how good he is on the ball now. He takes the ball in situations, draws people in to come and press, then can create a box at times with someone like John Stones coming in next to him.

Overall he is just so comfortable in those positions and he makes the right decisions. I do not think he was like this when he first came but now he is incredible on the ball and has gone onto the next level.

With his stature, his style, his all-round play, there is just much more confidence with him in the team. Not just as a defensive midfielder but being able to help the team on the ball and going forward now too.

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