Man City player’s heat map vs Villarreal highlights stunning transformation, he completed a pass-per-minute
Man City eased to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League as they maintain their unbeaten start to the competition.
Rico Lewis and Savinho were among Man City’s finest performers as they edged the plucky Spanish side away from home.
Real Madrid target Erling Haaland bagged the opener with Bernardo Silva notching a second just before half-time.
The Cityzens haven’t faltered in the injury-induced absence of Rodri as Nico Gonzalez stepped up to control the midfield on 21 October.
Nico Gonzalez exuding Rodri-esque qualities for Man City
The Spaniard has steadied the ship in his compatriot’s absence and was on form against Villarreal under the Champions League lights.
The 23-year-old was precise and pinpoint in his passing, finding 52 of his 56 passes with an outstanding accuracy of 93 per cent.
Gonzalez made just two wayward passes in the opposition half, showing his composure despite the Spanish side’s press.
Moreover, his heat map, as demonstrated by Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta highlights his incredible ability to cover every blade of grass.
The number 14 mops up loose balls and dictates play from the middle of the pitch, emanating a Rodri 2.0 effect which bodes well for Pep Guardiola.
The ex-Porto starlet did come off on the 57th minute with a knock as the Cityzens pray he is not out for the foreseeable future.
Rodri set to struggle to push back into starting XI with Gonzalez’s brilliance
Guardiola remains uncertain over when the Ballon d’Or winner will make a return from injury but his absence opens up an excellent opportunity for Gonzalez to nail down the starting spot.
With the number 16 out of contract at the end of next season and plagued with injuries, it appears unlikely the club would renew his current deal.
Especially with the upwards trajectory of his fellow countrymen, Rodri is facing an uphill battle to get back into the starting XI anytime soon.
Gonzalez is six years Rodri’s junior and, with a contract lasting until June 2029, Guardiola will be looking to him as the future of his dynamic midfield.