Softfootball understands that the Premier League title race has become more tense as content creator D Real Kombo shared his reaction to Manchester City’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Everton, describing the result as a clear reminder of the importance of Rodri to Pep Guardiola’s system.
Speaking via his YouTube channel, Kombo emphasized that despite City fielding a strong lineup, the absence of Rodri exposed defensive weaknesses and disrupted the team’s balance. He argued that Rodri’s presence allows attacking players to thrive, labeling the midfielder as Pep Guardiola’s “secret weapon.”
Kombo went further, suggesting that without Rodri, City struggle to control games effectively, adding that his influence is so significant and it impacts the broader Premier League title race. He even claimed that if Rodri had been consistently available, rivals like Arsenal might not be as competitive this season.
The content creator also pointed out that City may need to find a player with similar qualities to provide depth, acknowledging how difficult it is to replace such a unique profile in midfield.
Despite the concerns, Kombo admitted the draw could have been worse for City, noting that the chaotic nature of the match nearly resulted in defeat.
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He said:
I knew that with the absence of Rodri, Man City will feel his absence in one of these games and unfortunately, at this Everton game. When they dropped the line up, I tweeted, I said strong line up from Manchester city but no Rodri. Will they feel his absence? and yes they felt his absence. Let me tell you what Rodri does. What Rodri does for Man City is very very simple but there is no other player in the Man city team that can do it. That press resistance, bringing out the ball from the back. Guardiola no dey carry am play. When teams notice that Rodri is not available, they press Mancity. They are very very comfortable pressing Man City because they know that the players that are there are not comfortable bringing out the ball from the back. So they can press them and when they press them, they put them under pressure and they make mistakes but when Rodri is there, you hardly see those defensive errors because Rodri is that guy that will always say give me the ball make I bring am out, make I distribute. Rodri is Pep Guardiola’s secret weapon. Rodri is that player that makes the difference for Pep Guardiola.
Looking ahead, he warned that Rodri’s potential absence could have major consequences, particularly in key competitions like the FA Cup. He urged Arsenal to capitalize on any slip-ups in the title race, especially against lower-ranked teams.
However, Manchester City have reportedly offered Rodri a new contract extension, with his current deal running until 2027, underlining the club’s determination to secure one of their most influential players.
