Rodri you plonker! That might not be quite how Del Boy put it, but he might as well have done. After a dodgy first season and an up-and-down second, Manchester City's Spanish midfielder has really found his groove at the Etihad Stadium this season.
More than that, the holding midfielder has established himself as arguably the best player in his position in the world. A midfielder built in the mould of Sergio Busquets, it's hard to imagine anyone else pulling the strings at the heart of City's midfield quite like Rodri does.
He has improved so much in such a short space of time under Pep Guardiola that his pinpoint passing, ability to create space and calming presence on the ball are sorely missed whenever he doesn't play. His performances this season have seen the murmurs of 'plodri' around the Etihad Stadium replaced with cries of 'shoooot!' whenever he collects the ball within 30 yards of goal, such is his talent at hitting the ball incredibly hard. You could even say he has become a fans' favourite.
