Pep Guardiola is planning wholesale changes for Manchester City's second game in the Club World Cup, but it will be interesting to see what he plans for Rodri as the Ballon d'Or winner continues his comeback.
The Spaniard suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury last September but fought back to return before the end of the season, playing the final seven minutes of the 3-1 win against Bournemouth in the final week of the campaign.
But the Club World Cup is where his return to match fitness will really step up a level, and he got more minutes under his belt at Lincoln Financial Field, playing half an hour as the Blues cruised to an opening win against Wydad AC.
Rodri will be happy to bank those minutes, and Guardiola revealed afterwards that the 28-year-old had wanted more, but his cameo did reveal how getting back into action isn't just about match sharpness but also about rhythm.
This wasn't the Rodri of old, although nobody expected it to be. There was a stray pass or two in there and the odd moment when he clearly lacked sharpness. There was a rustiness to his display and the challenge now is to get rid of that.
The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world's best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13.
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“Thirty minutes, step-by-step. He wants more, but it’s the first step,” Guardiola said after the game. “What your head wants, your mind, that is top. But at the same time, often you need the process, and that is very, very important.”
Guardiola had also discussed Rodri before the game and a throwaway line about his own doubts felt instructive.
"I would love to. He's
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