Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said the signing of Nico Gonzalez can help the struggling English champions compensate for the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Spanish midfielder Gonzalez arrived from Porto on the final day of the transfer window earlier this week for a reported 60-million-euro fee (£50 million, $62 million).
The 23-year-old’s father Fran previously worked as a coach at City’s academy and Guardiola was also aware of the player’s abilities as he began his career at his former club Barcelona.
City have struggled without Rodri, who suffered a serious knee injury in September.
A run of four consecutive Premier League titles is almost certain to come to an end as they sit 15 points off runaway leaders Liverpool.
City did sneak into the Champions League group stage but now faces the might of holders Real Madrid in the play-off round later this month.
“Really important! It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri,” said Guardiola on Gonzalez’s signing.
“A young player, 23 years old, can play number six and number eight, more in the pockets. Physicality – he’s a strong young boy.
“I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. I’m really pleased from the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years.”
City should at least book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend when they travel to League One Leyton Orient.
However, Guardiola is wary of a repeat of his side’s exit to third-tier opposition in Wigan back in 2018.
“Always we have problems away in this competition in the FA Cup or Carabao (League) Cup against teams from the Championship, League One, League Two we struggle,” he added. “Every game is an opportunity.”
