Phillips joined City in July 2022 on a six-year contract from boyhood club, Leeds United.
This followed his performances in the heart of the Leeds midfield and his ascent to Gareth Southgate’s England squad at both Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022.
He’s been restricted to just 10 appearances to date in the sky blue of City but Guardiola, in his pre-Bristol City FA Cup press conference, stressed his importance as the team fight on three fronts in the closing months of the campaign.
The manager also reiterated the competition for places at play, with Rodri proving an influential figure - and a difficult man to displace in the deep lying central role.
He said: “Rodri is so important for us. He is playing really well. Kalvin is adapting, adjusting a little bit. Some players need a little bit more time.
“We had the feeling that [he] needs a little bit more our rhythm.
“But it was so important to play the minutes he played for the rhythm in the last game.
“We will see tomorrow and yes, of course, we need him until the end of the season because there are many games.
“But Rodri is so important. That’s the reason why [he’s playing regularly].”
Alvarez, meanwhile, was back in the team this past weekend – and back in the goals.
The Argentina World Cup winner scored our opener in the 4-1 win at Bournemouth and also had a big hand in the fourth as his shot was deflected home off defender Chris Mepham.
Guardiola has been really pleased with his impact – and says his involvement has a positive effect on fellow forward Erling Haaland.
On his adaptation to the Premier League, he added: “So quick.
“When he plays behind Erling, like as a striker, we know we have one more man in the box all the time.
“He scored two goals. With the first, he moved in the right pocket and he scored in the far post. In the opposite pocket.
“So, always he is there. And the fourth goal of the team, always was there.
“We need an extra man in the 18-yard box, that’s why he’s so important and this helps Erling score goals too.”
Watch the media briefing in the video player above.
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