Manchester City’s decision to sign Kalvin Phillips raised eyebrows as Rodri is likely to keep him out of the starting eleven this coming campaign.
The Premier League champions don’t believe he’ll get a lot of minutes next season, at least not in his preferred role, and former Celtic, West Ham and Aston Villa man Frank McAvennie agrees.
Even though Phillips was signed to provide some back-up and or competition for Rodri, McAvennie who won the Scottish Cup and the Scottish Premier Division back in the 1980’s for Celtic thinks otherwise.
Rodri was outstanding for City last season and could lay claim to being the best defensive-midfielder in the Premier League, so McAvennie questions why Phillips has signed a six-year deal when the 26-year-old’s starting place in the squad is guaranteed.
McAvennie is surprised that Guardiola bought Phillips believing he will not provide cover for Rodri.
He told Football Insider: “I’m surprised they bought Phillips. I’m really surprised because I thought Rodri came into a game last season. I thought he was outstanding in that position.
“I can’t see him playing both of them. So maybe that’s why he bought Phillips, maybe Rodri wants to leave, wants a new challenge. I could see him going and challenging himself somewhere else. That’s what Phillips would be there for.”
These McAvennie’s comments were shared on Twitter and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“That’s a terrible take and completely not true.”
Credit: @Forsyth11
“Rodri ain’t going anywhere mate.”
Credit: @mancity_chiblue
“Rodri is literally looking to sign an extension.”
Credit: @xQueen_Piscesx
“Rodri recently gave an interview. And literally said he was in the best place he could be..”
Credit: @TierryHenry90
“It’s amazing how many ex footballers I had forgot about make silly comments in the attempt to be relevant again ….”
Credit: @Gazwarrington
“Footballer from yesteryear lol.. He’s obviously commenting on what he hopes to see, more than what is actually happening.”
Credit: @Doozy_45
“Sadly today it seems the best way to get a job as a football pundit is to talksh*te”
Credit: @MichaelLofthou5
