Midfielder has had to fill the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s boots in his absence
Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez has said he does not see himself as a direct successor to Rodri, despite being asked to fill the Spaniard’s role while he recovers from injury.
With Rodri sidelined by setbacks as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained last year, Gonzalez has been asked to fill the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s huge boots and anchor Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
The 23-year-old was signed from Porto in January for £50m but made it clear he could not be compared to Rodri.
“I don’t look at news,” said Gonzalez. “I don’t know what you guys are talking about.
“Rodri is a teammate. It’s important for the team he makes us play so good, but I don’t see any comparison or pay much attention to those things.
“I try to listen and learn a lot from him. For example, the last game, at halftime he gave me some advice about what he saw because he knows a lot what to do in that position.
“He’s one of the captains and that’s a really important role. He tries to advise us and make us understand the way we want to play.”
Gonzalez, who came through Barcelona’s academy before moving to Portugal, admitted he was a big admirer of club great Sergio Busquets and hoped to model his game after the maestro.
“In Barcelona when I was young I watched Busquets,” said Gonzalez. “When I reached the first team I played with him and learned a lot from him. Maybe he’s the player I’ve learned the most from.”
