Manchester City are in flux after four Treble-winners left and new signings Elliot Anderson (£116m) and Jeremy Monga arrived. Rodri, fresh from captaining Spain to World Cup victory and winning the Golden Ball, faces back surgery with a year left on his contract amid Real Madrid interest.

New boss Enzo Maresca insists he wants to keep Rodri, who will rest and recover. Contingencies include Anderson and monitored Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca's positional-play system uses a 3-2-2-3 shape where Rodri's versatility — dropping into defence or pushing forward — is invaluable.

Anderson's positional flexibility (central, attacking, defensive midfield, wide) complements Rodri, while Bouaddi replicates John Stones' ability to play holding midfield and defence. Maresca's rotations create structured fluidity, but require time.

If Rodri leaves, Maresca has shown ability to repurpose players (Stones, Caicedo, Cucurella). A larger squad than Guardiola's gives more tactical pieces, increasing chances of a working formula next season.