New Delhi: Manchester City and Pep Guardiola suffered a massive blow on Sunday, in the match against Arsenal at home. City’s star midfielder Rodri took a knock during a tussle with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, which eventually led to the Spaniard colliding with the Arsenal midfielder, causing his leg to land awkwardly. It didn’t look that serious until the midfielder immediately held his right knee while he went to the ground, screaming in pain.
Rodri was substituted immediately in the first half after that blow and later, according to reports, the Spanish midfielder has suffered an ACL tear which may rule him out for remainder of the season. It certainly is a major blow for Pep Guardiola as Rodri has established himself as an important part of the team and his contributions have been immense.
The absence of Rodri has put some big question marks on their plans of making it five titles in a row. Pep’s men have relied heavily on the Spanish midfielder over the past few seasons and since his arrival, Rodri has been a key component for Pep, playing as a defensive midfielder. His passing ability, intelligence, physicality, defensive judgement and game reading is second to none. These factors make him a complete defensive midfielder, which makes City’s midfield one of the best in the world.
However, this issue needs to get resolved as soon as possible, and there are a few possible options that Pep Guardiola can rely on to fill the gap. It certainly isn’t an easy job to replace possibly the best defensive midfielder in the world but City’s squad depth might just turn out to be a factor that helps City retain the title this campaign.
Kovacic-Gundo partnership
Kovacic and Gundogan (Getty images)
Over the years, Matteo Kovacic has show cased his class in top clubs such as Inter, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and now at Manchester City. The Croatian midfielder has looked in a good shape since the start of this campaign, producing quality performances for Pep’s side. However, Pep can use the Croatian as a replacement for Rodri, which he did at the start of the season when Rodri was suspended. The 30 year old can be used down the midfield, along side the returning Ilkay Gundogan, as these two can certainly do the job down the middle. City’s usual formation 4-1-4-1 this season might need a change in case Pep decides to start Matteo Kovacic.
The Spanish mastermind might consider switching back to a 4-2-3-1 formation where he can play Ilkay gundogan and Kovacic as two defensive midfielders. Kovacic has been a player who can produce the creativity aspect while also fulfilling his defensive duties, but he is not a natural defensive midfielder. Rodri’s role has always been whose main role is to play as a destroyer, who can participate offensively. When it comes to Kovacic, he works as a proper number eight, rather than a number six which is the role of Rodri.
Meanwhile Gundogan has already proved in the past that he is a class midfielder who’s versatility makes him a proper squad player. Him being a part of that midfield would enhance the experience factor. Besides, Gundogan’s playing style is pretty much similar to Kovacic’s style, and the Pep might as well consider shifting to another classic formation of 4-3-3, where he would prefer a midfield trio of Bernardo Silva, Gundogan and Kovacic. There were reports that also suggested that Kevin D e Bruyne’s injury isn’t that serious, and he might return soon, which would be a great news for Pep.
Versitility in the squad
John Stones of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with Ruben Dias during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has a history of innovating and redefining this role on the field with great success in the past. One good thing about the star studded City squad is the fact that they have some extremely verstile players who can play out of position and do the job pretty well for their side. Specifically for the defensive midfield role, Pep has utilised the versitility factor to his full advantage as we saw John Stones putting up a shift in the past seasons, playing out of position in the midfield. Stones, who is naturally a centre back, was a crucial figure in the midfield last season, where he was given the role of playing as a holding midfielder.
Pep knows that he can trust Stones as his holding midfielder and the English defender’s versitility makes him one of the main contenders to play in that position. However, another candidate would be the youngster Rico Lewis, who has also shown promise playing as a defensive midfielder this season. The teenager has naturally built his reputation as a right fullback, but this season he has looked pretty solid playing as a defensive midfielder in the initial games.
Man City star midfielder’s absence might turn out to be a massive blow for Pep Guardiola. However, there are a few options for the Spaniard that he can rely on to fulfil the gap in the midfield. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
