FA Community Shield 2019: Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool (5-4 on pens) - 5 Talking Points

#1 Early days but Rodri already fitting in like a glove for City

Rodri was imposing, composed in possession and unafraid of midfield battles against a determined side

Imposing and comfortable in possession, Rodri already looks the part in City's midfield. The litmus test will show its true colours once the season begins but their £63 million man was ever-present as the base for attacks and protector of a solid backline who have error-prone tendencies as we begin the post-Vincent Kompany era.

Constantly available to receive possession in pockets of space, he had 73 touches and recycled the ball well. 91.9% pass completion rate on 62 passes was only bettered by Salah (95.8% on 24) while winning three clearances, two aerial duels and tackles as well as one interception over the 90 minutes.

Tidy and composed, he didn't shy away from challenging the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho whenever they approached him. He won possession more times than any of his teammates, read the game well and provided some much-needed bite in a City midfield renowned for their technical brilliance.

The only blip on this showing was a heavy touch from Kyle Walker's attempted pass out of defence, which slipped pressing Liverpool players forward through on-goal. The chance was squandered but an early reminder that concentration is paramount at all times, even in the most harmless of situations where teammates might take a second or two extra before passing - increasing the chance of error under pressure.

With a player like him there, it allows Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva more creative freedom to roam forward while lessening the Citizens' reliance on Fernandinho, who is now 34 and has less than a year left on his existing deal at Eastlands.