Ferdinand: Rodri exit could make Manchester City’s title defence a major test

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City would have won the Premier League last season if Rodri had remained fit throughout the campaign, and says the midfielder’s potential move to Barcelona could leave Pep Guardiola’s former club facing a major challenge.

Arsenal won the Premier League title in May for the first time since 2004, finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City. Rodri, however, missed 17 league matches because of injury.

Speaking on his YouTube podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United defender said City’s failure to retain the title was strongly connected to Rodri’s absence.

“If Rodri started and played every game last season without getting injured, Manchester City would have won the league,” Ferdinand said.

“I am not trying to take anything away from Arsenal, but if Rodri had played 10 more matches, City would have won the title.”

Ferdinand said Rodri’s importance was demonstrated by his performances for Spain, adding that the midfielder had established himself as one of the most influential players in world football.

“This is not a coincidence. He went to the Spain national team and was their most important player, won the World Cup’s best player award and helped them win the title,” he said.

“He also won the Ballon d’Or. He has achieved everything.”

The comments come as Manchester City face significant change following Guardiola’s departure after a highly successful period at the club. Rodri is also reportedly close to leaving the Etihad Stadium, with Barcelona understood to be his possible destination.

Ferdinand warned that losing both figures would represent a serious setback for City, describing them as two of the club’s most important people over the past several years.

“Manchester City have not only lost Guardiola, but it now looks like they will lose Rodri as well, to Barcelona,” Ferdinand said.

“These are two of the most important people at the club over the last seven or eight years.”

He added: “After changing the manager, they are now losing the most important and prominent player in their team. I think City face a huge challenge this season to compete at the same level they maintained during the last eight or nine years.”

Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico de Madrid and became central to the team’s midfield, helping the club compete for domestic and European honours. Ferdinand’s assessment places particular emphasis on the Spaniard’s influence, both in controlling matches and in determining City’s overall level.

While warning about the effect of Rodri’s possible departure on Manchester City, Ferdinand said Barcelona would become a considerably stronger threat if they managed to sign him.

“If Barcelona sign him, they will become a real problem this season, because Rodri is the most important footballer to any team in the world at the moment, and he has been that for the last few years,” Ferdinand said.

“He is a top-class player and an outstanding professional.”