On FIVE’s “Vibe With Five” show, before the popular pundit analysed the dramatic 4-4 draw between City and Chelsea, he reserved special praise for the £63 million (Daily Mail) man’s heroics on Sunday.
Rio Ferdinand says Rodri is “clutch” in big games
Hailed as an “extraordinary holding midfielder” by Pep Guardiola, the Spanish international stepped up yet again for the treble-winners against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
While the 27-year-old was fortunate that Thiago Silva’s outstretched foot guided his shot into the back of the net, it seemed like he had won yet another big game for the Sky Blues until Cole Palmer’s eventual equaliser.
Rio Ferdinand credited Rodri for his tendency to turn up for Manchester City when the lights are the brightest.
“Yeah, clutch. Rodri, A.K.A, clutch-man”, he told FIVE during their Vibe With Five show.
Rodri has emerged as a true leader at the Etihad Stadium
While the former Villareal anchor is not renowned for being a vocal presence on the pitch, time and again, he has showcased his tendency to lead by example.
Whether it be through his incredibly consistent displays or his tendency to rise to the occasion, the decorated midfielder seemingly refuses not to stand up and be counted.
Against Chelsea, Rodri did the same and due to his enviable big-game record, Rio Ferdinand rightfully lauded him.
It was only back in June that the ex-Atletico Madrid controller scored one of the most pivotal goals in Manchester City’s history by settling the Champions League final with a curler against Inter Milan.
Similarly, Rodri’s stunning equaliser against Aston Villa in 2022, a game typified by Ilkay Gundogan’s magnificence could go down as arguably one of the Premier League era’s most decisive moments.
The treble-winner is the true embodiment of a leader, as above everything else, he lets his feet do the talking when his team find themselves in a spot of bother.
