Data Analysis Firm Explains Rodri’s Win: The True Core of Manchester City’s Midfield, Team’s Win Rate Drops Without Him

Despite the surprise of many, data analysis firms have used statistics to substantiate why Rodri deserved the Ballon d’Or.

Historically, the Ballon d’Or has been dominated by attacking players, so when a midfielder becomes the ultimate winner, it can be surprising. However, the data does not lie and sufficiently proves Rodri’s suitability for the award.

In the 2023/24 season, Rodri was the most reliable player in Manchester City’s lineup. He started in 50 matches (a total of 4,325 minutes), more than any other player. In these 50 matches, Manchester City achieved a record of 38 wins, 11 draws, and 1 loss, with a win rate of 76%. In the 9 matches where he did not play, Manchester City won 5 and lost 4, with a win rate of 55.6%. This comparison clearly shows that the team’s win rate drops by 20% without Rodri. Over the entire season, Rodri contributed to 22 goals (9 goals and 13 assists). In the 2024 European Championship, he started 6 out of 7 matches and was substituted at halftime in the final due to injury.

Rodri averages 111.2 passes per 90 minutes with a passing accuracy of 92.3%, both of which are the highest in the top five European leagues.

More importantly, Rodri often steps up in critical moments for his team. In the Premier League, he scored the winning goal against Sheffield United in the 88th minute. In two league matches against Chelsea, he provided the decisive goals in the final moments. Since joining Manchester City, the team averages 2.4 points per match with Rodri on the field, compared to 2.0 points per match without him.

In the five seasons since joining Manchester City, Rodri has transformed himself into the true core of the midfield under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.