Nico Gonzalez: Man City’s ‘mini-Rodri’ who ‘makes a massive difference’

“Without Rodri, and before Gonzalez signed, Lewis was coming into midfield too early, and getting stuck in those central areas. Against Newcastle, however, he had Gonzalez behind him and it allowed him to get forward quicker, and give City more options out wide on the right.

“On top of that, Gonzalez helped Lewis defensively too, although City’s dominance against Newcastle meant this was not as easy to spot.

“Lewis is still a defender, first and foremost, so when City have been losing the ball in the areas I spoke about earlier, he has to decide whether to get back in his right-back slot, or stay in midfield.

“It actually happened on the opposite flank for the Juventus goal I mentioned earlier, when he was at left-back but came across into midfield and left space out wide. With Rodri there, he does not have to come inside when attacks break down, and the same applies with Gonzalez in the team too.

“I loved the way Gonzalez seemed aware of exactly where to be at all times, and he also had the legs to get there quickly when he had to.

“That energy and physicality is something else City have lacked in their midfield, and it is another reason he looks like a gem of a player, who was the perfect signing for Pep.

“Going forward, he’s going to be an important player alongside Rodri, not just instead of him.

“He definitely gives City more hope against Madrid, too. They are not the favourites, but of course they still have a chance of getting through.”