Man City news: Opinion – is Nico Gonzalez perfect Rodri replacement?

Some 22 minutes is all we needed to find out that Nico Gonzalez is everything Manchester City have possibly been looking for when it comes to a capable stand-in for Rodri, and a player who can continue to hold a starting place upon the Ballon d’Or winner’s return.

Thrust straight into the action in the heat of an FA Cup battle with Leyton Orient at an atmospheric Brisbane Road, the 23-year-old showed composure, physicality, an eye for a forward pass and an outstanding positional awareness at the base of City’s midfield trio.

Pep Guardiola has already said he views the former Barcelona midfielder as a versatile option capable of operating as a deep-lying anchor, the link between defence and attack, and even as a forward-thinking playmaker.

One pass from the base of City’s midfield lofted over the top of an Orient defensive line camped in and around their own penalty area, right into the feet of Savinho running in behind, was everything Guardiola’s side have been missing in Rodri’s absence.

When faced with a low block, City have become increasingly predictable and been desperately needing a player who can unlock a defence.

And perhaps a player born into the La Masia blueprint and an ideology mastered by Guardiola is the answer to a large share of the club’s problems during the first half of the season.

In Gonzalez, the Premier League champions have found a name that has given the rest of their entire season some hope and a clearer route to silverware, a top-four finish – and perhaps even extended progression in the Champions League.

It will not only bring a smile to the face of Guardiola and Manchester City supporters, but also to Rodri, who has been crying out for capable support since his emergence as the mainstay defensive midfield star.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra