Nico González denies being the “Rodri” of Manchester City: There is no comparison

The Manchester City midfielder, Nico González, has made it clear that he does not consider himself a direct replacement for Rodri. González is ready to continue filling in for his Spanish teammate in the next Champions League match against Villarreal, due to Rodri’s injury. Rodri suffered a hamstring injury before the recent international break, prolonging his frustration after missing much of last season due to knee surgery. González, signed from Porto in January to offer support in the central defensive midfielder position, although he enthusiastically accepts Rodri’s advice “in every match”, does not want to be directly compared.

I don’t watch the news. I don’t know what they’re talking about.

Nico González

The 23-year-old player stated this to the media in a press conference at Villarreal’s Estadio De la Cerámica.

He is a teammate. It’s important for the team that he makes us play so well, but I don’t see any comparison nor do I pay much attention to those things.

Nico González

González seeks inspiration from Sergio Busquets, a mentor and former Barcelona teammate.

In Barcelona, when I was young, I used to watch Busquets. When I joined the first team, I played with him and learned a lot from him. Perhaps he is the player I have learned the most from.

Nico González

Rodri has traveled to Villarreal, where he began his professional career, with City, despite not being in a position to play. Coach Pep Guardiola has no doubt that his influence will impact González, who feels that he is constantly improving his game.

Hopefully, Rodri will train with him more often again, right? But when he’s young, of course, a player of Rodri’s caliber always improves them.

Pep Guardiola

Rodri established himself at Villarreal after going through their youth system. He later moved to Atlético Madrid and then joined City in 2019. Villarreal coach Marcelino said it was “a shame” that he didn’t play. Added: “He is the best player in the world in his position. I am sure he would have loved to play here and the Villarreal fans would have loved to see him. He is admired and loved here.”