"In the 14 months since Rodri sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder has played only 588 minutes for Manchester City due to a series of setbacks, the last of which excluded him from Wednesday's 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. While Pep Guardiola says he will not be out for a while, the Spanish No 6 is fundamental to the manager's vision of the game."
"Nico is making steps forward, Guardiola said before Sunday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. At 6ft 2in and 23 when signed for 49.8m from Porto earlier this year, Gonzalez is a near carbon-copy of Rodri. Indeed, Guardiola described the former Barcelona player as a mini-Rodri last season, yet against Bournemouth there were times when he was caught and dispossessed in midfield in a way Rodri, at his very best, would not be."
"Kovacic has regularly impressed for City since joining the club from Chelsea for 25m in June 2023 and has a CV that makes clear he is a stellar talent. The Croatian's former clubs include Dinamo Zagreb, Internazionale and Real Madrid. He also has a glut of honours to his name, including one La Liga title, one Premier League title and four Champions League winner's medals."
Rodri has played only 588 minutes in 14 months since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with the most recent setback ruling him out of the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. Guardiola says he will not be out for a while. Nico González is the primary No 6 alternative; he was signed from Porto for 49.8m, stands 6ft 2in, and has been described as a near carbon-copy of Rodri, though he was dispossessed in the Bournemouth match. Mateo Kovačić joined from Chelsea for 25m in June 2023 and brings extensive top-club experience and major honours. Rico Lewis has made 103 City appearances, nearly a quarter at No 6, and offers vision, touch, tackling and energy for the position.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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