Manchester City midfielder Nico González has stated that he does not consider himself a direct replacement for Rodri in the team. González is ready to continue covering the position of the Spanish midfielder, while Rodri recovers from an injury that will keep him out of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Villarreal. Rodri suffered a hamstring injury before the recent international break, which prolonged his absence after missing much of last season due to knee surgery. Nico González, who arrived at the team from Porto in January to reinforce the defensive midfield, receives constant advice from Rodri, although he prefers not to directly compare himself to him.
González is inspired by Sergio Busquets, a mentor and former teammate at Barcelona.“I don’t pay attention to those things. I try to listen and learn a lot from him. For example, in the last match, at halftime he gave me some advice on what he saw, because he knows a lot about what to do in that position.”
Nico González
“In Barcelona, when I was young, I watched Busquets play. When I joined the first team, I played with him and learned a lot. Perhaps he is the player from whom I have learned the most.”
Nico GonzálezDespite not being in a condition to play, Rodri traveled with City to Villarreal, where he began his professional career. Coach Pep Guardiola trusts that Rodri’s influence will benefit Gonzalez, who, according to him, is constantly improving his game.“Regarding Nico, I have the feeling that he is improving more and more. It is not easy to arrive at a new club and play a different style than the one he played in the past, but we are very happy with his behavior and I am sure that he will improve month by month, year after year.”
Pep GuardiolaRodri established himself at Villarreal after training in their youth system. Subsequently, he moved to Atlético de Madrid and joined City in 2019. Villarreal coach Marcelino lamented the absence of Rodri, whom he considers the best player in the world in his position.
