In billing Rodri as “irreplaceable right now” Pep Guardiola inadvertently shone a light on the achilles heel of his all-conquering Manchester City team. Should the midfielder Guardiola rates as the finest in his position go down during the season’s defining phase City’s treble defence may falter, as he has no deputy who allows the side to play in their relentlessly smooth fashion.
As the team-builder supreme there is an oddness in Guardiola permitting a vulnerability that might derail City at any moment, especially as all other departments can be suitably covered. The manager’s problem is locating another midfielder who is close to mirroring Rodri’s attributes.
