DBasia.news – Rodri has not appeared convincing as a successor to Fernandinho. The player was recruited by Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri (24 years) did well when the team built up attacks and dominated possession. His vision of playing and passing the ball can keep the rhythm of Man City playing, but when faced with defensive situations Rodri’s defensive abilities are not good.
No doubt The Citizens are still looking for a midfielder with good defensive abilities, who can make the transition to play, and maintain a rhythm of playing in possession. The shot, according to Corriere dello Sport, fell to AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer.
Bennacer (22 years) has shown impressive performances since joining Milan. Compatriot Riyad Mahrez in the Algerian national team previously defended Arsenal and Empoli. Bennacer has the ideal profile to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s City.
Bennacer has a plus from the defensive side. This season Rodrigo has played against opponents nine times in seven Premier League games and has given too many fouls (10). Meanwhile, Bennacer has a higher number of tackles and interception (cutting the ball).
Bennacer has appeared in all competitions 48 times with Milan, scoring one goal and providing four assists. This season he has always played by Stefano Pioli in Serie A (472 minutes played) and completed 88.6 percent of 333 passes.
Bennacer also won seven of the 11 aerial ball duels (63 per cent), made eight successful dribbles out of a total of 13 times (one every 59 minutes), and tackled an average of 12 and cut the ball six times every 26 minutes.
Not only that, the number of tackles Bennacer also exceeds City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (10 tackles without cutting the ball in the opponent’s line). De Brune and Bennacer have different positions, but that is how Bennacer fits into Pep Guardiola’s philosophy at City.
The former France U-19 national team player has a purchase clause of 50 million euros. However, considering that he is only 22 years old, Bennacer could be a long-term investment if City are seriously interested in him.