The current Manchester City team can go down as one of the most feared teams in this generation. Even Real Madrid’s boss chose it as his favorite to win the UEFA Champions League this year. Although the team has shown signs of dominating English soccer for quite a few years, it was the arrival of Erling Haaland that made the difference. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola mentions one more player in the same league as the Norwegian, who made the Sky Blues unbreakable!

It is always a challenging job to single out one player when a club has so much quality. But the Spanish coach cannot withhold mentioning Rodri as one of their critical stars despite the presence of Kevin De Bruyne. According to reports, Pep recently said, “All the success #ManCity have had in the last years, especially last season, without Rodri… [shakes head]. He’s the same level as Erling [Haaland] without scoring the goals Erling scores. Without the pressure from Rodri, it would not be possible…” 

However, Pep Guardiola had already acknowledged Kevin De Bruyne’s contribution earlier by calling him a legend.

Apart from scoring crucial goals, the Spanish international’s ability to control the game tempo is vital for City’s success. Rodri plays the perfect holding midfielder role for the former FC Barcelona coach, whose strategy revolves around ball possession and quick passes. Along with his strong physicality, his ball control allows Rodri to keep the ball for a longer time.

Moreover, the Spaniard can set out on an attack, scoring meaningful goals. His most important contribution came during the final of the UEFA Champions League last year, scoring a stunner to win City the treble. But it’s his role in the midfield due to which Pep counts him in the same league as Erling Haaland, who has been a game-changer for Manchester City.

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Erling Haaland remains crucial for City’s chances this year along with Rodri

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has been the top scorer in the Premier League in both seasons since his arrival. After amassing 52 goals in the treble-winning spell, Haaland lost his partner in crime, Kevin De Bruyne, for the first half of the season. But he still has managed to become the top scorer in the Premier League this season.

Nonetheless, Rodri’s value surged this year when City lost all the Premier League games when he did not play this season. Additionally, his goals against Chelsea this season are reasons for the champions to stay in PL title contention this year. Overall, with all the cumulative value he brings, Pep put Rodri on par with Haaland for contributing to the team’s success.

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