While every good team has those players who grab the headlines with their flashy goals, key passes and eye-catching dribbles, no championship-winning side could ever reach the top without sturdy, hard-working guys who run like crazy, tackle, get into trouble and bleed for the team. For Manchester City, Rodri is just that.The former Atletico Madrid man became Manchester City’s engine, the player who wins balls covers a lot of ground and even manages to provide a goal threat. His influence on the Cityzens has been invaluable since his arrival three years ago.Thursday, 02.30: (11.0) Charlotte FC (6.25) Chelsea (1.24)When he signed a new contract earlier this month, Rodri alluded to his ambitions to become more of a leader in the dressing room, and he explained that this is one of the areas he can improve ahead of the new season. With club captain Fernandinho leaving, someone needs to step up. The Spain international believes he’s that guy.”I think I can improve. I’m 26 and see myself as getting even better. When I speak with my friends and the team, I say that if I can do the same as last season, then that’s great – but I can see myself getting better. I want to improve every season. Every year has gotten better since I arrived.”Rodri:”For me he [Txiki Begiristain] is the most important part of the club right now…” pic.twitter.com/Po0Pejc0VQ— City Report (@cityreport_) July 20, 2022 Rodri said he can improve a lot in this area regarding his leadership skills.”I don’t know as a role of a captain physically. That is the gap I have to improve in the most. We don’t have many leaders because players like Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and Fernandinho are gone, and they were at the club for so many years. Now we have to take that role on. Ruben has done it. I feel that it can be my role, more on the pitch than outside the pitch. But that is the gap where I can improve.”Since arriving to the blue half of Manchester, Rodri has played 102 Premier League games for Pep Guardiola’s team, scoring 12 goals and delivering six assists on the road to two titles, two League Cups and a Community Shield.
