Nico González’s error against Monaco highlighted the glaring need for a succession plan in midfield
Patience is required for Rodri, Manchester City’s metronomic midfielder. Returning from something as serious as a cruciate ligament injury was never going to be straightforward. He made a tentative comeback at the end of last season after months out and continues to readjust to a role the Ballon d’Or winner had made his own.
Pep Guardiola has been quite clear that Rodri cannot yet cope with the rigours of playing three games in a week and, as such, it was no surprise to see him withdraw the 29-year-old after an hour of the 2-2 draw in Monaco, having left him out entirely of the weekend win over Burnley.
For someone of Rodri’s quality, tThere are no concerns that Rodri will not get back to his best, but the mechanics of the body need to match up with the mind and that, understandably, is not instantaneous after such a major setback. What it also clear is that City need to evaluate their succession plan.
Nico González replaced his compatriot at the Stade Louis II and made headlines by introducing his shin pad to Eric Dier’s face in the dying moments of the game. That moment of poor decision-making cost his side victory and since joining from Porto for almost £50m, the 23-year-old has rarely given the impression of being a long-term replacement for Rodri.
