After Rodri’s first two years at Manchester City, there were many that doubted his ability to become Fernandinho’s long-term successor.
In his debut campaign, it seemed as if the Spaniard was not cut out for operating as a lone defensive midfielder amidst the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
During his second season, a major improvement was clearly noticeable in the former Atletico Madrid lynchpin’s game.
However, his displays underwent a slight dip that led to Fernandinho’s reintroduction into the side.
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Entering his third season in a City shirt, Rodri seemingly came with a point to prove and it’s safe to say that he did in emphatic fashion.
The technically gifted midfielder emerged as arguably the most in-form number six in world football.
The 26-year-old’s special blend of excellent passing, whilst being a flawless defensive presence, led many to claim that he was the Sky Blues’ most consistent player last term.
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While the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Joao Cancelo were perhaps not at their brilliant best at all times, the Spanish international seemed to be ace from day one.
So much so that a host of fans and pundits believe that Rodri is the closest thing to Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets in the modern game.
Despite turning his biggest critics into his fans, the two-time Premier League winner insists on his willingness to further improve.
“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.
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"I want to improve every season. Every year has got better since I arrived,” he told reporters.
The ex-Villarreal man continued, “The first year I came, you adapt to your position and the second year, you start growing up. The third year you are consolidated in the team, and now I feel that I control all aspects of the game.
"I can grow. I had to adapt to the manager and the club and now I can grow as a player.”
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The midfield maestro was also quizzed about his pivotal equaliser against Aston Villa on the final day of the season that proved key in City’s title-clinching comeback win.
“It was instinct,” he said.
“When I had the chance to shoot, I was not going to think twice. And when I scored, we started to think, ‘we can do it.’
"We felt the third goal would come, fighting for the Premier League, 38 games, you deserve everything but maybe you can lose in the last minute.”
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Rodri’s hunger to elevate constantly is what makes it a guarantee that he is set for another monstrous campaign in Sky Blue.
Topics: Manchester City, Rodri, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand