18 wins and 9 draws! Mr. Golden Balls appeared in Manchester City and was unbeaten in 27 international matches. Guardiola really couldn t do without him

In the early morning of June 27, a focus battle was staged in the third round of the 2025 Club World Cup group stage. The Premier League Blue Moon Army Manchester City beat Serie A giant Juventus 5-2, and won all three games to lock in the first place in the group. In this game, 2024 Golden Globe winner Rodri has made his first start after recovering from injury, and his performance is still remarkable. In his last 27 international games, Manchester City has won 18 wins and 9 draws unbeaten.

Rodri came on as a substitute in the previous two group stages, and Guardiola is still very cautious about the use of this serious injury core midfielder. Facing the strong Juventus in this game, Manchester City, who is determined to be the top spot in the group, finally sent Rodri to the starting lineup. This is also the first time that Spain's midfielder has recovered from injury.

Manchester City had a smooth start. In the 9th minute, new aid Aitnuri assisted Doku to score a goal and scored for the team's first record. Although Juventus used Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson's missed goalkeeper two minutes later to tie the score. But then Kalulu's own own goal allowed Manchester City to take the lead again. In the second half, Haaland and others took the lead. In the 52nd minute, Nunes assisted Haaland to score an empty goal, and Manchester City expanded the score 3-1. In the 69th and 75th minutes, Foden and Savignho scored 2 more games, and Manchester City led 5-1. Although Vlahovic scored 1 goal, Manchester City finally won 5-2.

In this game, Rodri played for 66 minutes, completing 1 shot, 1 successful breakthrough, 1 key pass, 1 steal and 1 interception, and won 4 times in 5 ground confrontations. In the midfield position, Mr. Golden Ball still performs steadily. With him in control of the overall situation, Manchester City can also put more troops into the offensive and win a big victory. Of course, this is not Rodri in full shape, but his competitive state is still gratifying.

How important is Rodri to Manchester City? In his last 27 international club games, Manchester City has won 18 wins and 9 draws unbeaten. The last time Rodri played for Manchester City but lost the international club game back to the 2022 Champions League semi-finals lost to Real Madrid away.

Last season, Rodri suffered a torn cruciate ligament with a serious injury to the right knee and a meniscus injury in the Premier League with Arsenal and underwent surgery, missing most of the games. Manchester City, without him, was in an unprecedented dilemma, and suffered an embarrassing record of 5 consecutive losses, 7 defeats in various competitions and only 1 win in 13 games, which also kept Guardiola's shameful record in coaching career. In the end, Manchester City stopped in the Champions League knockout playoffs, ranked third in the Premier League, and the FA Cup also lost to Crystal Palace, and suffered the four majors of the season.

In this mini transfer window before the start of the Club World Cup, Manchester City signed strong players such as Aitnuri, Reindez, Sherki and Bettinelli in one go, and their overall strength has been greatly improved. But everyone knows that a healthy Rodri is the most critical for Manchester City. And Rodri's steady performance now has also made fans look forward to the new season.