Who Will Replace Rodri at Manchester City? Analyzing Pep Guardiola’s Options

Manchester City faces a significant challenge following the announcement that their key midfielder, Rodri, will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Rodri has been a mainstay in City’s midfield since joining the club in 2019, acting as the team’s defensive anchor, shielding the backline, and playing a crucial role in Guardiola’s build-up play. His absence raises critical questions about how City will adjust tactically and which players might step in to fill the void.

Why Rodri’s Absence is a Major Blow

Rodri has been pivotal to Manchester City’s dominance in recent years. His influence extends beyond simply breaking up play and providing cover for defenders. He acts as the heartbeat of the team, dictating the tempo of matches, transitioning the ball between defense and attack, and maintaining positional discipline. In fact, during the 2023/24 season, when Rodri missed a few Premier League matches due to suspension, City lost all three, underscoring his irreplaceable nature. The midfield general has made over 50 appearances in each of his last two seasons with City, demonstrating his durability and consistency.

Guardiola’s system relies heavily on players who can operate in tight spaces, read the game intelligently, and contribute to both defensive solidity and attacking build-up. Rodri's presence ensures that City can maintain possession while also being protected against counter-attacks. His absence creates a significant tactical dilemma for Guardiola as City tries to maintain its ambitious quest for titles across multiple competitions, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

The Options to Replace Rodri

While no one in City’s current squad can replicate Rodri’s skill set entirely, Guardiola has several versatile players at his disposal who could be adapted to fill his role. These options include Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan, and Matheus Nunes, each bringing different strengths and styles to the team. Let’s examine these options in detail:

1. Mateo Kovacic: The Most Natural Replacement

Mateo Kovacic, a summer signing from Chelsea, appears to be the most logical choice to step into Rodri’s role. Kovacic has already filled in for Rodri in several matches this season, performing admirably during the Spaniard's absences. He has the passing range, tactical awareness, and ball retention skills that Guardiola values in his midfielders. Kovacic’s ability to dictate the tempo of a game makes him a suitable candidate to play the deep-lying playmaker role, especially when City looks to control possession against weaker opposition.

However, Kovacic is not a like-for-like replacement for Rodri. While he excels in possession and can help City’s ball progression, he lacks the physicality and defensive instincts that Rodri brings to the team. Rodri’s ability to win aerial duels and make crucial tackles will be missed, and Kovacic will need the support of other midfielders or defenders stepping into advanced positions to compensate for this.

2. Rico Lewis: The Young Star with Tactical Flexibility

At just 19 years old, Rico Lewis has shown remarkable maturity and tactical awareness. Guardiola has increasingly trusted the youngster in a hybrid role, where Lewis moves from his natural full-back position into central midfield. This tactic, often referred to as the “inverted full-back,” allows City to maintain a compact shape in possession, with Lewis joining the midfield to provide additional passing options.

Lewis’ ability to read the game and play in small spaces makes him a valuable asset in Guardiola’s system, and he has already demonstrated his versatility in several matches this season. His inclusion in the midfield alongside more experienced players like Kovacic or Ilkay Gundogan could give City additional flexibility, especially in games where possession is key.

However, relying on Lewis to replace Rodri full-time may be a risky strategy given his lack of experience at the highest level. Although he has adapted well to various tactical demands, asking him to anchor City’s midfield on his own might be too much responsibility for the young player at this stage in his career.

3. Ilkay Gundogan: The Veteran Solution

Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City after a brief spell with Barcelona has been hailed as a significant boost for Guardiola’s squad. The former City captain has played in a deeper midfield role during his career, particularly at Borussia Dortmund, and could be called upon to fill Rodri’s position.

Gundogan brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and an excellent understanding of Guardiola’s system, having thrived under his management in the past. While he lacks Rodri’s physical presence, his technical skills and positional intelligence could make him an effective solution in certain matches, particularly in those where City will dominate possession.

4. Matheus Nunes: The Wildcard

Matheus Nunes, who joined City in the summer from Wolverhampton, presents another intriguing option for Guardiola. Nunes has the physical attributes that more closely resemble Rodri, with his height, strength, and ball-winning ability giving him an edge in defensive situations.

Nunes was a standout performer at Wolverhampton, where he often played in a more advanced role. However, Guardiola might see his potential as a holding midfielder, where he could develop into a replacement for Rodri over time. Nunes’ relative lack of experience in City’s system means he may be a less immediate option, but his physicality and technical skills could provide a longer-term solution.

Tactical Adjustments: Guardiola’s Versatility

Pep Guardiola is known for his tactical innovations, and losing a player as influential as Rodri will likely prompt the City boss to experiment with various formations and strategies. One possibility is to rotate between Kovacic, Gundogan, and Lewis, depending on the opposition and tactical requirements. In some matches, Guardiola may also opt to move John Stones into midfield from defense, a role he has previously excelled in.

Stones has been used as a hybrid center-back and midfielder, particularly in big games, where his defensive qualities and ability to step into midfield add another layer of control. Guardiola could use Stones in a similar way during Rodri’s absence, providing more defensive stability alongside players like Kovacic or Lewis.

Long-Term Considerations

While the immediate focus is on finding a temporary solution for Rodri’s absence, Manchester City may need to consider the long-term implications. Depending on how the team performs without him, Guardiola could look to the January transfer window to bring in reinforcements. Players like Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid or Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich have been linked with City in the past, and their skill sets would suit Guardiola’s system.

Another option could be to accelerate the development of some of City’s younger players, such as Maximo Perrone, who has shown promise in the club’s youth setup. While not yet ready for first-team responsibilities, players like Perrone could benefit from increased exposure in training and lower-profile matches.

Conclusion

Rodri’s injury leaves a gaping hole in Manchester City’s midfield, but Guardiola’s squad is full of adaptable, high-quality players capable of stepping up. While none of the options mentioned can fully replace Rodri’s unique combination of skills, Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity, combined with the depth of City’s squad, means they are well-equipped to navigate this challenging period. Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis, and Matheus Nunes will all have important roles to play as City fights for domestic and European success without their midfield general.