The Spanish international’s performances have seen him shortlisted for November’s Etihad Player of the Month award, the second time he has been nominated this season.
His spectacular strike in our 3-0 Premier League win over Everton also earned him the Nissan Goal of the Month gong.
And while Guardiola pointed out that the 25-year-old was already operating at a consistently high level before the 2021/22 campaign, he highlighted Rodrigo’s value to the team ahead of City’s Premier League trip to Watford.
The City boss said: “He’s playing at an extraordinary level, the consistency, not just one game.
“Holding midfielders needs to be a seven or an eight (out of ten) all the time, he can’t be a three or a four because it would destroy the team.
“He’s playing consistently defensively and offensively at the top.
“Fernandinho is Fernandinho, Rodri is Rodri. What Fernandinho has done with this club on and off the pitch is amazing.
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“Everything is a process. Last season he played good, maybe the last part of season he dropped a little bit.
“With the amount of minutes we gave him we had to be careful but the fact we’re out of Carabao Cup will help.”
Hear Guardiola’s thoughts in full ahead of our trip to Watford via the video above..
Watford v City
City travel to Watford on Saturday, with kick off at 17:30 (UK).
We will have full coverage on the official Man City app.
Everything you need to stay close to the action is available all in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates get under way at 15:30 (UK), with team news, analysis and all the latest opinion.
Our Matchday Live show will start just before 16:20 (UK). Joining presenter Natalie Pike in the studio are former City stars Andy Morrison and Shaun Goater to keep you entertained right up until kick off.
They will then reconvene for a quick half-time debrief before a more in-depth post-match verdict, including their reaction to the full-time thoughts of Pep Guardiola and a player.
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The guests will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
And there will be live commentary throughout the 90 minutes, too, with Alistair Mann and Michael Brown in position to guide you through the game.
Download the Man City app now and you won’t miss a beat. Don’t forget to turn push notifications on, that way you’ll get reminders of everything as the day unfolds.
And our Man City app coverage doesn’t end there…
Highlights of the game will be made available for free at midnight and CITY+ subscribers can watch a full 90-minute replay of the game at midnight.
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If you already have the City App then simply visit the stores and update.
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