A piece in the New York Times by Rory Smith argues that Rodri has become not only the best play on Manchester City but also the best player in the Premier League.

The last time Rodri played and Manchester City lost was in February 2023. Rodri has featured in 60 matches since then and City has not lost any of them.

City's defeats this season, to Wolves and to Arsenal and to Aston Villa, were without Rodri.

As a defensive midfielder, it is challenging to exactly quantify Rodri's impact on matches. Rodri is an excellent passer, controls space and also controls tempo not to mention his impact on stopping the opposing team.

Sportsbooks also show Rodri to be the favorite to win Premier League Player of the Year. 

Dribbling actions have increased dramatically in the Premier League over the past few years.

As part of an in-depth article on the topic for The Athletic, John Muller reports that dribbling actions are up more than 30 percent in the Premier League since the 18-19 season.

The Champions League has been slower to catch up, but dribbling actions are up to 14 per match from 11 over most of the past five years. 

During the group stage of the Premier League, La Real’s playmaker Takefusa Kubo and PSV’s human espresso shot Johan Bakayoko had the most dribbling actions.

“Today, without players who dribble, you can’t do anything,” Pep Guardiola said a few years ago. “Attacking a team parked in front of goal without players who dribble and give you superiority out wide is impossible.”