Ex-Man City midfielder Barry: Rodrigo deserves greater recognition | OneFootball

Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry insists Rodrigo deserves greater recognition.

The holding midfield role is one Barry knows well, having performed their with distinction for Roberto Mancini's 2011/12 Premier League title-winning side and the recently retired 39-year-old has been particularly impressed with the man currently tasked with shielding City's back four.

“Rodri for me has done a great job and is definitely underrated," he said during his recent appearance on the We're Not Really Here matchday show.

“Pep Guardiola isn't signing Rodri for his pace but for his understanding of the game. If City can get a regular back four behind him their partnership will blossom that's for sure."

On specifics of the role, Barry added: “I played in there with Nigel De Jong and Yaya [Toure], so more defensively minded.

“It's having the balance of dominating the ball and having the cover for when the opponents get the ball back."