Rodri, Guardiola’s treasure that Simeone did not know how to exploit

Rodrigo Hernández is one of City’s players of the season. After a hesitant past campaign, the former Atlético player has emerged as one of the fundamental pillars of the ‘citizen’ team. He was already in his first year at the Etihad and now he has returned to his rights.

The importance that the footballer has in Guardiola’s plans is total, especially due to the system that Pep has begun to use with five ‘ten’ playing midfielder and no specific center forward in the starting team. Given this scenario, having a midfielder who balances defense and channels the game is absolutely essential. That player is him.

According to data from Olocip, Rodri is the second best defensive midfielder in the Premier this season with an accumulated value of 7.84. The first is Declan Rice with 8.55. This means that Rodri has contributed with his offensive, defensive and play-building actions to generate almost eight more goals than expected for City.

With his total actions, he generates a difference of one goal every 281′ (just over three games). He is performing almost the same as in the best season of his career, which was 19/20 already at City. In that he generated 0.34 value per game and now he is at 0.32. It surpasses his season at Atlético where he generated 0.27 every 90.

At City he is the defensive leader this year (2.88). This means that his defensive actions alone have prevented almost three goals for City. He is the player who generates the most value for Guardiola’s men at a defensive level, as he leads the ranking of value generated in recoveries and interceptions. He is also second in clearances and blocked balls.

Globally, he is the fourth best performing City player this season: first is De Bruyne, second Laporte and third Rúben Dias. In addition, his market value has increased over the years and right now he has the highest of his career: 80.4 million euros.