Rodri Credits Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola For Significant Improvement

If there is one player that silenced all of his critics during the 2021/22 season, it is none other than Manchester City’s Rodri.

While many doubted his ability to emerge as a long-term successor to club legend Fernandinho, the Spaniard put forth a personal campaign that is comparable to some of the Brazilian’s greatest-ever seasons in sky blue.

Rarely does one ever witness a defensive midfielder play such a central role in a whole host of the side’s biggest moments.

From Rodri’s outrageous goal-bound block in the draw against Liverpool at Anfield, to his last-gasp winner against Arsenal, and the unforgettable equaliser against Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign, the 26-year old showcased his penchant for rising to the occasion time and again.

The midfield maestro’s impact over the campaign led many to crown him as arguably the best number six in Europe.

Manchester City certainly recognise how vital his presence is at the Etihad Stadium, as they have rewarded the midfield metronome with a three-year contract extension until at least 2027.

While many have pondered the secret behind the marked improvement in Rodri’s performances, the midfielder personally credited Pep Guardiola’s impact on elevating his game to a new level.

“I think the fact that he played in my position and understands everything that happens in my head and all moments is good”, he explained in an interview with the club.

He continued, “Also, the communication and the feeling between the manager and the player (is good) and I have a great connection with him, a great atmosphere and we both understand (each other).”

The former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal man also offered an insight into Pep Guardiola’s growing self-belief in him as time passed.

“I remember the first year, he was on me to improve, but the last year-and-a-half, he has left me more to myself because I started doing my own mechanisms and understanding.

"It is good the confidence we have in each other, and it is one of the reasons that made me continue here.”

It was clear to see the Catalan boss’ appreciation for Rodri in the previous campaign, as he singled him out as one of the Sky Blues’ most in-form players on plenty of occasions.

The two-time Premier League champion joins a list of key senior players to have committed their long-term futures at Manchester City, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Joao Cancelo.

It has been widely reported that the likes of Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez could also pen contract extensions imminently.