Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been showing why he’s such a key figure both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Fresh from barking instructions as an auxiliary coach during tense moments at Brentford, Rodri was back among the City squad in the dressing room on Saturday, demonstrating his leadership despite recently tweaking a hamstring.
Even on the sidelines at the Gtech, Rodri was animated, moving around to guide teammates, highlighting his importance to Pep Guardiola’s setup beyond just his midfield duties.
Foden Sparks City’s Midfield Revival Against Everton
Inside the City tunnel against Everton, a smart denim-jacketed Rodri rubbed shoulders with teammates while Guardiola focused on giving detailed tactical instructions to Phil Foden and Nico O’Reilly.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye looked dangerous in patches, but City had clearly identified key weaknesses in the opposition to exploit.
Within 13 minutes of the restart, Erling Haaland powered a header into the net from a perfect O’Reilly cross, orchestrated by Foden.
The goal underscored a growing trend: Foden quietly doing the vital work without taking the spotlight.
Haaland soon added a second, again capitalizing on Foden’s precise play, demonstrating the Norwegian striker’s lethal finishing.
The Unsung Work of Phil Foden
Despite his influence, Foden doesn’t get official goal contributions for these plays, highlighting the often invisible but crucial role he plays.
This quieter brilliance is becoming a hallmark of City’s midfield, with Foden connecting passes that unlock defenses without always getting credit.
For both City and England, a revitalized Foden is vital. As the World Cup approaches next summer in North America, there are still skeptics questioning his place in the national squad.
But Guardiola’s confidence in the 25-year-old tells a different story.
Guardiola Praises Foden’s Maturity and Growth
“Phil has made a step up and played like he does, like we remember in the past.
He’ll be like a good wine—better with time,” Guardiola said.
The manager has also acknowledged Foden’s bravery in confronting mental health challenges during a tough 2024-25 season, reinforcing the trust placed in him moving forward.
David Moyes, Everton’s manager, even admitted that Foden overtook Ndiaye as the standout performer in the second half, reflecting the midfielder’s growing influence on games.
Resurgence Amid Competition
Foden’s resurgence has been noticeable since the Manchester derby in September, and competition for places is heating up, with Rayan Cherki returning from injury.
Guardiola is keen to keep Foden closer to Haaland, optimizing his positioning for goals and assists rather than overcomplicating tactics.
“Get him close to the box. Don’t explain any other theories than that,” Guardiola stressed, reinforcing Foden’s role as a central figure in City’s attacking setup.
Looking Ahead for Manchester City
As City continue their Premier League campaign, Foden’s form could be pivotal in rekindling his on-field chemistry with Haaland.
With Rodri’s leadership, Guardiola’s tactical guidance, and Foden’s quiet brilliance, Manchester City appear poised to maintain their dominance, both domestically and in Europe.