Nico González admits Rodri role at Man City is “Not That Easy” to replicate

Manchester City continue to manage a long-term midfield transition as Nico González develops behind Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, a task the young midfielder admits is far from straightforward.

The 23-year-old has been asked to deputise regularly this season after Rodri’s stop-start return from a nine-month ACL layoff. While the City talisman is edging back towards full fitness, injuries have prevented a smooth reintegration, forcing Pep Guardiola to lean on González in the holding midfield role.

Signed from FC Porto in January 2025, González arrived as emergency reinforcement during a severe injury crisis. Since then, the Barcelona academy graduate has quietly proven his value, offering stability at the base of midfield as City compete on multiple fronts following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.

Rodri’s stature in the game looms large. Widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in world football, the 29-year-old cemented his legacy by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024 — the first Manchester City player to claim the award.

In an interview with Sky Sports, González opened up on how difficult it is to replicate what Rodri makes look routine.

“When he came back at the end of last season, especially in the Club World Cup, we had a lot of time to play, see and understand the things he does,” González said. “I’m trying to learn.

“It’s not easy to learn those things because what he does looks so easy. Sometimes I say, ‘Oh, that’s so easy — how can I not do it?’ It’s not that easy, but I’m trying.”

The comments underline both Rodri’s unique quality and the steep learning curve facing anyone tasked with stepping into his role.

Neither Rodri nor González started in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United on Tuesday night. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki handed City a vital two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg at the Etihad.

Rodri was introduced late on to help protect the lead, but González missed the trip entirely. Guardiola later revealed the midfielder had suffered what he described as “an incredible knock”, putting his availability for Saturday’s Manchester derby in doubt.

Rodri, by contrast, is expected to return to the starting XI as City chase their first Premier League win of 2026, having been held to consecutive draws by Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.

Back-to-back cup wins have lifted confidence within the squad, but City know there is little margin for error in the league. Arsenal currently hold a six-point lead at the summit, and Guardiola’s side cannot afford further dropped points if they are to mount a serious push for a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

For González, the mission remains clear: absorb as much as possible from Rodri while contributing when called upon — even if replicating the master’s “easy” movements proves anything but.

All eyes will be on team news ahead of the Manchester derby. With Rodri expected to start and González racing to recover, City’s midfield balance could prove decisive as the title race intensifies.

Can Nico González continue to develop as Rodri’s understudy — or is Manchester City still missing a true long-term successor?