Rodri once again shows his immense value to lift Manchester City to a vital victory over Aston Villa | OneFootball

Phil Foden will rightfully get the headlines for his stunning hat trick in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa overnight. But it was Rodri who again who set the tone for his team. City’s midfield general set them on the path to victory at the Etihad Stadium overnight. His immense value was again on show in yet another dominant performance from the midfielder.

Heading into last night’s game, the stakes were high for Manchester City. Their game against Aston Villa was a must win game to maintain their Premier League title chase this season. It was apparent in the opening stages that Rodri was determined to carry his team to a critical victory. The Spanish international was all over the pitch in midfield as he helped set the tone for the champions in the early stages. It was no surprise that it was Rodri who opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 11th minute. He began the game like a man possessed and got his reward early on.

Following Aston Villa’s equaliser in the 20th minute, Rodri continued his dominant performance. Along with Phil Foden, it appeared that the pair put their team on their back to make sure they wouldn’t drop crucial points. City’s midfield lynchpin was all over the pitch as he helped drive his team forward, and he would also make critical interventions at the back to lift his team. Rodri and Phil Foden were the dominant performers as City took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

READ MORE: City player ratings as Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-1.

Rodri’s dominant display continued in the second half. It was his driving run and assist that set up Foden’s second of the evening and put City into a commanding 3-1 lead. Following Foden’s stunning third goal of the night, Rodri’s work was done as he was substituted for a well-earned break. His display last night once again showed his immense value to the world champions.

Speaking post game Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his midfield general. He declared Rodri the best player in his position in the game as he praised his display: “Rodri is the best. In his position, he is the best. He can do everything. The quality that he reads the game with. His mentality, always he is ready. Rodri is top, top. What can I say? Other teams don’t have a player like him. He is so good in many, many things. We have alternatives, but the presence, physicality, he is complete. He is an incredible signing for Manchester City.”

Rodri’s value to Manchester City is already well known. His performance in a critical victory for the world champions highlighted it once again. It was exactly the performance the champions needed and one they’ve become accustomed to seeing from their midfield general.