Progress is being made by a player that Manchester City need back to his best

There weren’t many positives to take from their 2-nil derby defeat to Manchester United for Manchester City. Abdukodir Khusanov and Gianluigi Donnarumma were the only two players who performed at an acceptable level for City at Old Trafford. That was something to take from the game for Pep Guardiola’s side. Another positive to come out of the game for City was that Rodri got through 90 minutes against Manchester United. Rodri wasn’t at his best, like many of his teammates, but the fact that he got through the entire game is good news for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Rodri getting through 90 minutes at Old Trafford is good news for his team.

Although Pep Guardiola was disappointed with his team’s performance and defeat to Manchester United, he acknowledged that Rodri getting through 90 minutes unscathed was good news for his team. The Manchester City manager explained that Rodri would get back to his best in time.. He explained: “Rodri will play better and then everyone will play better when the team will play better. Of course, he comes from 18 months out, it’s normal that you need the time. It’s a positive that he played 90 minutes and played good.”

“Of course there are setbacks. But his personality to go there of course is necessary.”

Rodri revealed after Manchester City’s derby defeat that he feels ready to start playing on a regular basis. He was asked if he was ready to play consistently and he answered: “Yeah, ready to go. I’m really happy to be on the pitch every single day. Every day I feel better so I am happy and excited to help the team.”

Manchester City need Rodri on the pitch to help steer Pep Guardiola’s side back on track.

Rodri wasn’t at his best at Old Trafford. Like many of his teammates, he misplaced passes, and his positioning around the pitch was just off. That is to be expected as Rodri continues to find his feet after a long injury layoff. There will be moments where he resembles the Ballon d’Or winner that he is, and on other occasions he will look like he is lacking minutes. The second of these scenarios occurred against Manchester United. But that is to be expected as Rodri continues to work his way back to his best.

Manchester City needs Rodri on the pitch. That is a given. They need his leadership, guidance, and experience on the pitch. With Pep Guardiola’s squad hit by injury, Rodri’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side has ramped up. His sheer presence on the pitch should greatly aid Manchester City’s cause.

Rodri got through 90 minutes at Old Trafford. After the injury setbacks he has endured this season, that is progress. It would now seem that Rodri is ready to play on a consistent basis, and that should be a big boost for Pep Guardiola’s side.