Otherwise known as Rodri, Manchester City has likely found a long-term replacement for Fernandinho. The Spanish midfielder made his name in La Liga before returning to academy team Atletico Madrid. A single season under Diego Simeone, though, was enough to convince Pep Guardiola that he was the ideal midfield anchor to buy.
With some of the best passing and physical attributes for any midfielder in the country, he certainly is living up to his high reputation after what could be seen as a slow start to his time in England.
What makes Rodrigo Hernandez worth watching?
Rodri has already played close to 50 games this year for City, and has picked up just five bookings in all competitions. He is a clean tackler, a wonderful passer of the ball, and is capable of playing in central or defensive midfield without issue. He also tends to be strong in the air, capable of sweeping up passes over the top and also adding another bit of grit from set-pieces.
City were porous defensively in his first year, but Rodri has done a fine job of helping to return Guardiola’s City to being a defensive juggernaut.
Things to improve for Rodrigo Hernandez
Put simply – goals and fouls. While he is never in the City team to be a creator, he could use the massive amount of space he is often found with better. From improving his goalscoring either from set-pieces from distance to becoming a touch more ambitious with his movement, Rodri has very little to add to his game.
Most of the changes needed are minor refinements. For example, he tends to commit a lot of fouls that could have been avoided. If he can cut down on the foul count, Rodri could become the best holding midfield player in English football.