Premier League 19-20: 5 New signings who are set to make a huge impact

#1 Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City)

Rodri could be an inspired signing for City

A decade or so ago, a lanky, Spanish midfielder, an epitome of a metronomic passer, started making waves in European football. Representing Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, that footballer revolutionized the defensive midfielder position. A certain Sergio Busquets had somehow combined the brawn and the brain to serve an irresistible feast to the world.

Unsurprisingly, many believed that no one could even come close, let alone match his style of play. Yet, through 2018 and 2019, there seems to be an heir apparent to his throne: Rodri Hernandez.

The Spaniard, re-signed by Atletico Madrid from Villarreal in the 2018 off-season caused many a ripple on his return to Madrid. The Los Rojiblancos weren’t quite at their best through last season but Rodri was one of their stand-out players, a footballer who took the term ‘consistency’ to another level.

In 2018-19, he averaged 3 tackles, 2 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game. Hence, highlighting his defensive soundness. With the ball though, his numbers were even more astonishing.

The midfielder averaged 56.7 passes in the league at a mind-boggling accuracy of 91.1%.

However, Rodri’s game entails much more than just raw statistics.

Capable of controlling the tempo of the game, the Spaniard has the innate ability of knowing when to speed things up and when to slow them down. Moreover, he has a deceptive turn of pace which allows him to stand his ground and not let opposition midfielders out-run him.

After Manchester City’s success last season, many felt that the Sky Blues had reached their zenith. Yet, with the arrival of Rodri, Guardiola’s men seem on course to frighteningly get better.

Years ago, it was Pep who molded Busquets into a midfielder that bossed games for fun. And with another Spanish protégé lying in wait, one feels that Guardiola might just be able to weave his magic, again.

While that may be music to the Cityzens’ ears, it certainly is not a sight any of the other Premier League sides would particularly fancy.