‘Worst city signing after Mangala’ – Some Man City fans hammer Rodrigo as Pep Guardiola stance emerges

Manchester City Fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays reports that Pep Guardiola sees Rodrigo as a ‘key facet’ of his side’s style of play and integral to the Sky Blues’ system.

Rodri’s debut season in that crucial holding midfield role had been difficult but the former Atletico Maldrid man has been a mainstay for City in midfield this season, often one of the first names on the team sheet.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Guardiola sees club record signing as the best available at playing facing his own goal, a key component of their style, an ability to play blind passes quickly from the back. 

While it has been clear that Rodri is not quite the same player – he has looked better offensively but has appeared to struggle more with stopping opposition attacks. But he is by no means the overwhelming problem for City.

The main Problems with City is that they can’t find their high-octane rhythms, and as their press drops the system is beginning to collapse. The Citizens have scored just 10 goals in eight Premier League matches – a worst return since 2006.

City have clearly felt the loss of David Silva more than perhaps they were expected to. Only De Bruyne provided more assists (20) than Silva (10) for City in the Premier League last season and when the Belgian hasn’t been up to his usual standards, the likes of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan have struggled to pick up the creative slack.

Also, the allied to wasteful shooting is seemingly behind City’s attacking struggles. Plenty for Pep to ponder. In terms of creating chances, meanwhile, only Aston Villa (12.3 per game) and Liverpool (11.9) have fashioned more than City’s 11.6.

Liverpool are the only Premier League side to have attempted more shots per game with 17.4 to 15.6. Furthermore, City rank fourth in the league for both shots attempted inside the penalty area (8.1 per game) and for shots on target per game (5.37).

ALSO READ: 

In reaction to the report shared on Twitter by Man City Xtra, many Man City fans have expressed their thoughts and opinions, with many supporters having a mixed opinions on the Spaniard. 

You can find some of the best comments from Twitter below:

Rodri is a fraud. Worst city signing after Mangala

— Dela Dela (@nsangong) November 24, 2020

Rodri is useless.

— The Great South African! (@blacksuperbhero) November 25, 2020

He’s been here for a year and he’s only 23 give him a chance, it took Vinny until he was about 25 to reach his best

— Dez (@mcfcdez) November 24, 2020

Finally someone else said it. We can’t score or create big chances to save our lives and people are out here complaining about the damn DM.

— Alberto Marcano 🇻🇪 (@MarcVale27) November 24, 2020

Quality player on the ball Rodri, no doubt about it and gives everything each game but just such a gulf between a prime Fernandinho and him. Ferna was just so quick, reads the game quicker than anyone and just moves the ball quicker than Rodri.

— Tom (@toggers1987) November 24, 2020

People slating Rodri because he’s not prime Fernandinho 🙄 he’s consistently good for us, works hard for the team and shows fight and passion. Pep knows better than fans basing their information off of Fifa

— Ferran (@FriendlyFerran) November 24, 2020