Manchester City made a statement in the January transfer window by securing the services of Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The 23-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, arrived at the Etihad Stadium from FC Porto for a fee of £50 million. His signing was seen as a key addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, particularly given the club’s need for reinforcements in midfield.
Gonzalez’s time at City is still in its early stages, having played just eight matches across all competitions. Of those, he has started six times in the Premier League and Champions League, gradually adjusting to Guardiola’s demanding tactical setup. Despite limited opportunities, he has already opened his scoring account for the club, netting his first goal in a Champions League tie against Real Madrid—albeit a consolation strike in a tough encounter.
Filling the Void Left by Rodri
Gonzalez’s role in the squad has been particularly significant due to the prolonged absence of Rodri, City’s midfield linchpin. The Spaniard, who was instrumental in the club’s historic treble-winning campaign, suffered a serious knee ligament injury during a clash with Arsenal in September. His absence has left a noticeable gap in City’s midfield, and Gonzalez was brought in partly to help fill that void.
So far, Gonzalez has taken on the responsibility of playing as a number six, a role in which Rodri excelled. While it is no easy task to replicate Rodri’s influence on the pitch, the statistics suggest that Gonzalez has performed admirably in his limited appearances. However, City’s midfield has still struggled at times without their defensive anchor, raising questions about squad depth and the club’s long-term plans for midfield cover.
Encouraging Signs on Rodri’s Road to Recovery
Despite the setbacks, there has been positive news regarding Rodri’s recovery in recent weeks. Initially, there was uncertainty over whether the Spain international would return before the end of the season. Guardiola himself admitted that he was unsure, stating, “Maybe it’s going to happen”, leaving the door open for a potential comeback.
City fans were given further hope when the club released footage in late February of Rodri training on grass, sprinting and working with the ball at his feet. The sight of him back on the pitch suggests that his return may not be too far away. If he doesn’t feature in the Premier League again this season, there is still a chance that he could play in the Club World Cup over the summer, ensuring he regains full fitness ahead of the next campaign.
His absence has been a significant blow to City’s title ambitions, and it has exposed how crucial he is to Guardiola’s system. Given the struggles without him, one can only wonder whether City should have held onto a player who could have provided a more natural replacement.
Maximo Perrone – The Rodri Alternative That Got Away?
One player who could have helped City during Rodri’s absence is Maximo Perrone. The 22-year-old Argentine midfielder, who was signed in 2023, is currently on loan at Como, where he has been developing under the guidance of legendary midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Playing as a number six, Perrone has made 18 appearances this season, registering two assists while demonstrating his ability to dictate play from deep. Despite his primary defensive role, he has also shown an eye for goal, notably scoring in pre-season for City with a well-taken finish.
Perrone has already featured for City in competitive matches, making two appearances during the club’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign—one in the FA Cup and one in the Premier League. Following that, he was loaned out to Las Palmas, where he caught the eye with his passing range.
According to Wyscout, Perrone completed the most progressive passes per game by any under-21 player across Europe’s top five leagues last season, averaging 8.41 per match. This season, FBref data further highlights his strengths—he averages 55.69 completed passes per 90 minutes, placing him among the top 11% of Serie A midfielders. Defensively, he contributes 2.86 tackles and interceptions per game, proving his ability on both sides of the ball.
Given his technical and defensive qualities, it’s no surprise that Perrone has modelled his game after Sergio Busquets, one of Guardiola’s all-time favorite players. Football analyst Ben Mattinson even suggested that City should have used Perrone to manage Rodri’s minutes, calling him the “ideal Rodri back-up.”
Could Perrone Play a Bigger Role Next Season?
With Rodri’s importance to the team evident and City struggling in his absence, Guardiola and his staff may now be reconsidering Perrone’s long-term role at the club. Instead of sending him out on loan again, the Citizens could look to reintegrate the Argentine into the first-team squad next season. His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and progress the ball forward makes him a compelling alternative to Rodri.
By having a capable deputy, City could ensure that Rodri is not overworked while also adding another exciting young talent to their midfield options. Given how well Perrone has performed at Como, it would not be surprising to see City give him a chance in the 2025/26 campaign.
As City continues to push for domestic and European glory, ensuring they have adequate cover for key players like Rodri will be crucial. While Nico Gonzalez is still adjusting to life in the Premier League, and Rodri is on the mend, it remains to be seen whether Perrone will be given a bigger opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. If he does, he could be the missing piece in Guardiola’s midfield puzzle.
