Nico Gonzalez’s magnificent performance in Manchester City‘s 3-0 win over Liverpool has ridiculed reports in the summer suggesting the Spanish midfielder could depart just months after arriving at the Etihad.
There were suggestions in July that, although Nico was in Pep Guardiola‘s plans for this season, he was considering departing due to a lack of game time, following just 61 minutes at the FIFA Club World Cup. He’d only joined the Cityzens from FC Porto in January for £50 million, but struggled to provide the cover for Rodri while his fellow countryman was sidelined with an ACL injury.
Today’s display against Liverpool has indicated that the 23-year-old is the heir to Rodri, as he was crucial for Guardiola’s side and even got himself on the scoresheet. He netted his first goal of the season with a sweet low driven effort from just outside the box that gave the hosts a two-nil lead.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Nico Proves Guardiola’s Slow Approach Was Way to Go
Nico put in one of his best performances in a City shirt in the comfortable victory over a Liverpool side who have fallen off a cliff since last season. He was lively throughout and seemed eager to net his first goal of the campaign when he let fly in the 42nd minute, but his attempt was deflected off target.
The Spaniard took his goal superbly in the 45+3rd minute, though, found by Bernardo Silva, he drilled the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili, and the strike froze a dumbfounded Virgil van Dijk. Those were his two shots on the night, but he also displayed his well-rounded profile, winning all three of his tackles and five of six ground duels, making 51 accurate passes (88% accuracy), four passes into the final third, two recoveries, and two interceptions.
Let this be a lesson to anyone who doubts Guardiola’s handling of young talent and new signings because he foreshadowed Nico coming good. The City coach was asked about the midfielder’s limited opportunities at the start of his Etihad career back in April:
“I’m pretty sure he will get it, he’s come for many years. And physicality, and he wants to learn, he learns quickly. So it’s going to happen.”
Nico is now living up to expectations and growing with each passing game in a vital period for City, who are chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. His manager called him their ‘mini Rodri’ and that speaks volumes of his importance, given his compatriot has been the best defensive midfielder in Europe over the past five years.
Who Needs Rodri? Man City Fans Loving ‘Special’ Nico
Rodri is still feeling the effects of the ACL injury that kept him out last season, but could return to action after the international break this week. That’s another reason it was important for Nico to continue impressing, as he competes with the 29-year-old for a berth in Guardiola’s team.
City fans have been applauding the former Porto man for the role he played in the win over Liverpool, but also how he’s now proving to be the Rodri replacement they desired. One fan wrote on X:
“Nico Gonzalez has changed our lives. I haven’t heard City fans mention Rodri in weeks now.”
Another is a massive admirer:
“Nico González is something special.”
One alluded to both Rodri and Mateo Kovacic:
“Nico Gonzalez master class in midfield today. Needed it with Rodri and Kovacic out.”
Another added:
“Nico Gonzalez man, what a player!”
While Nico, who was handed an 8/10 player rating tonight, is likely to compete with Rodri for a place in Guardiola’s starting lineup they share a strong connection in the dressing room with the latter taking on somewhat of a mentorship role. This was explained by Nico weeks ago (via The Independent): “He gives me advice…the last game at halftime he gave me some advice because he knows a lot what to do in that position.”
There isn’t a better mentor for a young defensive midfielder to learn from than Rodri, who has reached the pinnacle of the sport during his time at the Etihad. If Nico comes anywhere close to replicating his career, he’ll have been a success with the Cityzens.
