Nico Gonzalez arrived as Manchester City’s £50M deadline-day signing, tasked with filling the Rodri-shaped void in midfield after the Ballon d’Or winner’s season-ending knee injury.
Pep Guardiola labeled the 23-year-old Spaniard as a “mini Rodri” following City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle, highlighting his importance.
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Despite the comparisons, Gonzalez rejects the idea he is merely Rodri’s replacement, insisting he doesn’t feel pressured to be the main man in midfield.
"I don’t see it that way. I just feel like we play to win every match. It doesn’t matter who plays, we’re a team that is very united with everyone now," he said to reporters.
"It doesn’t matter if I play, or Kova (Mateo Kovacic) plays, or whoever, I don’t see myself as the replacement for Rodri, I see myself as another player."