Manchester Metropolis may see Rodri changed in midfield with a barely unconventional choice, as they appear to cope with the lack of their metronome.
Pep Guardiola began Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis on the base of Manchester Metropolis ‘s midfielder for his or her 0-0 draw in opposition to Newcastle United on the weekend, with Ilkay Gundogan tasked with enjoying barely additional ahead.
Issues did not go precisely to plan, although, as Guardiola’s facet managed to achieve management of the possession however lacked any leading edge – the form of which Rodri possesses in abundance. However whereas the Spaniard’s knee damage is unhealthy information for the title holders, one skilled member of the squad has supplied their companies to step into the position.
Manchester Metropolis to begin John Stones in central midfield?
Stones has had restricted sport time this time period to this point (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
John Stones has been slowly returning for Manchester Metropolis this season following his exploits for England at Euro 2024, having began simply one of many facet’s six Premier League video games.
A centre-back by commerce, Stones tailored brilliantly to a defensive midfield position as Manchester Metropolis stormed to the treble in 2022/23, and is now suggesting that he’s prepared to fulfil the identical position this time period.
Stones proved influential from midfield in 2022/23 (Picture credit score: Visionhaus/Getty Photographs)
“Yeah, if referred to as upon, 100%,” Stones responded when requested if he may fill in for Rodri for almost all of the remainder of the season. “[We have] numerous high quality and numerous gamers which can be greater than able to filling in in that place.
“I adore it – it’s a totally different [way of looking] on the sport. [I have] appreciation for gamers who’ve performed there, understanding the sport, studying from a defender’s perspective, when to obtain and move the ball, appreciation of the blokes who play that position.
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“I at all times take pleasure in it and take a look at each time I am going in there. The supervisor places us there for a motive and it’s about going on the market and doing a job. It occurred lots over the past two years – me going into midfield. Within the Champions League remaining I used to be a bit increased up [the field] – that was new for me. One thing I loved.”
On the event he did play centre midfield, although, Stones did have Rodri by his facet to assist him via video games. He additionally superior from defence to play alongside the Spaniard throughout these matches, one thing he may not have the posh of doing as Rodri seems to be set to overlook the remainder of the 2024/25 marketing campaign.