Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna believes Rodri is the most important player for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rodri scored City’s winner in last season’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, and this season he has been absent through suspension for several matches, which left City vulnerable in the middle.
That problem was compounded by the injury to Kevin De Bruyne, and while City are favourites to win the Premier League still, they trail both Arsenal and Tottenham at the top of the table.
There was a large overhaul in the City squad after they won the Treble, with Aymeric Laporte, Riyah Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and others leaving.
In their place came Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gavrdiol and Mathus Nunes, but despite the heavy investment, former French international defender Sagna thinks Rodri remains their most crucial performer.
He told Genting Casino: “I think that Rodri the most important player in the Manchester City team. You notice the difference in the way that Manchester City set-up and play when he is not available for them.
“When Rodri isn’t available, then Manchester City are not the same. Of course, when he was out, some players tried to replace him, but they couldn’t.”