Manchester City Midfielder Reveals Two Key Factors Behind Recent Success

Rodri, who has penned a long-term contract until 2027 with Manchester City, has discussed the importance of two factors which he considers central to personal improvement.

Signed from Atletico Madrid for £62.5 million in 2019, Rodri had been singled out as the rightful heir to an ageing Fernandinho’s throne by Manchester City.

However, the Spaniard was initially on the receiving end of constant stick by many, who felt that the Brazilian’s boots were too big for him to fill.

Much like a whole host of players that have struggled during their first season under Pep Guardiola, the ex-Villareal lynchpin was no exception.

While Rodri’s performances saw a major upturn during his sophomore season, he experienced a slight dip in form at the end of the term that led to the reintroduction Fernandinho.

However, the Spanish international’s all-encompassing displays in the middle of the park last season led many to hold their hands up at their premature conclusions about his game.

Despite the player pointing to Pep Guardiola as one of the primary reasons behind his recent rise, Rodri has also revealed that other factors, such as experience and leadership, have also contributed to his recent success.

Speaking after the news broke of his three-year contract extension, the 26 year-old explained: “Every year you are older and have more experience. I have tried to be a leader since I came. You have big names in the locker room who have to do that job, but now I feel I can do that.”

Rodri continued, "I put that responsibility on myself, to try and push every player to be better every day. That is the only way to succeed. It is not an easy task, but it is something I have to do. I feel it is my role in the team, but I still have to improve to manage these situations.”

Despite not being a particularly vocal presence on the pitch in the vein of Ruben Dias for instance, the 26-year old’s habit of not shying away from the biggest occasions is perhaps how he goes about setting an example for the rest of his teammates.

The finest example of the aforementioned statement transpired during Manchester City’s final day heroics against Aston Villa, as the Sky Blues retained the Premier League title.

With City losing 2-1 as late as the 78th minute, Rodri took on the responsibility of finding an equaliser, with a finely-struck low drive from outside the box.

Now tied to a long-term contract with Manchester City till 2027, the Spaniard is only expected to further evolve as both a player and a leader as time progresses.

The Blues midfielder is the latest City player to pen a new deal with the Champions, with several key members of Guardiola's squad tied down to long-term contracts at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri is also the first of potentially three reported contract extensions this summer, after forwards Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez were both claimed to be on the verge of agreeing improved terms.