We need to speak about Man City star with 94% pass completion and seven duel wins
Nico Gonzalez was central to everything Man City did as they beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on 5 November in the Champions League.
Erling Haaland was reunited with former side Borussia Dortmund as he scored against them in a triumphant victory.
Phil Foden also bagged a brace for Man City as Pep Guardiola‘s side dominated proceedings for large periods of the match.
Yet, the brilliance of Gonzalez certainly went under the radar given his teammates’ attacking excellence, as the midfielder delivered another marvellous performance.
Gonzalez nearly inch-perfect for Man City as he cruised round the midfield
Gonzalez impressed for Man City in their win over Villarreal and he delivered once again on the European stage for Guardiola.
The Spaniard was defensively imperious, winning seven of his 11 duels as well as making five clearances to help slow the Dortmund attack.
However, what was most impressive was his quality in distributing the ball around the pitch in both his own half and the opposition’s.
As the 23-year-old’s heat map highlights, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, he completed 65 of his 69 passes with a 94 per cent accuracy rate.
The ex-Porto star also could’ve bagged himself a goal, missing a decent opportunity from a corner in the 39th minute, reflecting the need to work on his finishing ability when chances arise.
Guardiola to be confident in long-term Rodri replacement
Sources told Football Insider that Man City are not looking to bring in a defensive-midfielder in January, despite the recent injury woes of Rodri.
The number 16 has been hampered with niggling injuries after he missed nearly all of the 2024-25 campaign, suggesting his days at the Etihad are wearing thin.
At 29-years-old, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is not getting any younger and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, the club may consider not renewing his current deal.
The steady development of Gonzalez will fill Guardiola with confidence that he has the right man to continue Rodri’s legacy, given they may need to part with him if his injury struggles don’t dissipate.
His compatriot is beginning to flex his muscles in Manchester and is well on his way to becoming the team’s main defensive-midfielder long after Rodri departs.