When Rodri suffered a knee injury over a year ago, the world was shocked. However, just as Martin Zubimendi has gradually filled the void left by Rodri in the national team, Nico Gonzalez is doing the same at the Etihad. This is also something that Pep Guardiola predicted.

“He’s like a mini Rodri. He’s 23 years old, and in duels he is. In other ways he’s very different from Rodri, but in duels he’s very similar” – Guardiola analyzed after spending a lot of effort to recruit Nico Gonzalez from Porto with a contract release fee of 60 million Euros.

However, Citizens fans are expecting the midfielder to show an attacking ability that has not been seen before at the Estadio do Dragao, and his arrival is clearly a challenge for the team.

Nico is considered to have many similarities with Rodri. Photo: AFP

His FA Cup debut against Leyton Orient was a case in point, as Nico lost possession and forced City to chase him for the rest of the game, a stark contrast to the composure and control he has shown this season.

“Nico is not Rodri yet. But he is improving” – Guardiola praised after his recent performance against Liverpool.

Nico certainly shone and was a key figure in City’s dominant display. He was the team’s third-highest defensive player (9) and won the most duels (6/8), second-highest in completed passes (50/57) and first in touches (72).

“Beyond my imagination, I never thought I would progress so much with Guardiola. He is helping me become a much better player” – the Spaniard shared.

A superb performance, capped off by a first-half stoppage-time goal, showcased the attacking prowess that made Nico a star at Porto and that also helped Rodri win his first Champions League title for Man City .

“Thanks to him, we can wait patiently for Rodri, who will return when he is 100% fit. Nico is giving us the stability we lacked before,” Guardiola commented.

For his part, Nico reacted quickly to every situation, showing his form in the No. 5 position in a way he never had at Barcelona. “He’s young, but he plays with the maturity of Rodri at his peak. He’s not just a substitute,” Guardiola explained.

Guardiola has high hopes for Nico at Man City. Photo: AFP

At this stage of the season, Nico has already surpassed his total minutes played last season (1,025 to 951), starting 10 of the 16 games he has played so far. In fact, since the controversial handball that ‘destroyed’ Man City in Monaco, he has started 7 of the 8 games and played the full 90 minutes in the last 4.

So what will Nico be like when Rodri returns? “They can play together perfectly,” Guardiola said. It may be too late to see this combination on the pitch, but if he continues to be managed carefully, could Nico have a chance of making Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad?

“Of course I dream about the World Cup. I work hard every day to be there,” said the Spaniard.