Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known as Rodri is one of the best central midfielders of the last decade and since he joined Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has made him a focal point in his system.
Softfootball takes a look at Guardiola’s midfield strategy ahead of the premier league match-day 7 fixture against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford started slowly after losing their manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur and star players Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively. But they are gradually building confidence. The Bees beat Manchester United 3-1 last weekend and welcomes Manchester City in high spirits like they shared on their official X handle.
Counting down to City ⌛ pic.twitter.com/fTM0fG0R09
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 2, 2025However, Manchester City is rated favourite for the tie but most importantly for the Cityzens is the availability of Rodri. He is so vital to how Guardiola sets up his team and helps dictate play.
In October 2024 when Rodri was voted the men’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr, majority of the fans felt he deserved the accolade as he lost only one game in the season under review for club and country becoming the first Spanish player to win the men’s award since 1960 and the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. So, it is understandable why he is special for Guardiola.
Should Guardiola redefine his midfield strategy?
Last season, RodrI was out for long periods and it affected the way Manchester City setup. Guardiola lost more matches than he has ever done in his career majorly because RodrI was not available.
Guardiola brought in Nico Gonzalez with the hope he would be a perfect replacement but it never worked as the RodrI role was so special that it was tailored exclusively for him.
Two things will have to happen if Guardiola must break away from the addiction to Rodri. Sell the player to Real Madrid l, who are his biggest admirers and the player has said in the past that he is open to playing for the Los Blancos or Guardiola leaves Manchester City for a new adventure.
What ever happens, Rodri and Guardiola has given Manchester City fans a lot of great years especially with the UEFA Champions League win which they’ve carved for many years.
