Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Nico González, describing the young Spaniard’s recent displays as “world-class” and predicting he will only get better with time.
González, who joined City in the January transfer window, has quickly become an essential figure in the team, stepping up impressively in the absence of midfield anchor Rodri.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, Guardiola praised Nico González and his willingness to learn and adapt, stating that it will make him one of the best in his position.
The City boss noted that the midfielder’s attitude and humility have made his transition into the team remarkably smooth.
“He will be better; when you are coachable… Not just for me I’m talking for his mates when he listens to his mates, talking, or Rodri talking a lot with him, or Pep [Lijnders] talks to him, or whatever – when you are coachable, you will be a better player,” Guardiola said.
The 23-year-old has shown poise, composure, and tactical intelligence in the heart of City’s midfield, attributes that Guardiola values deeply in his system.
His ability to read the game, dictate tempo, and maintain defensive discipline has filled the void left by Rodri, whose influence has been instrumental in City’s success in recent years.
Guardiola emphasized that González’s growth mindset is what separates him from many others.
“At the end, until the last day you are a football player, always you can improve. When you are open-minded, and there are players that are. And Nico is the perfect example,” he said.
“The other ones, yes but, you’re going to tell me. But it’s one of the personalities, it’s fine.”
The City boss went on to highlight how easy it is to work with players who are eager to develop.
“And those players, I speak less, we talk less, and with Nico he’s always open, wants to learn, and doing that, so that’s why it’s nice to be living with these types of players because we are here just tomorrow to be better than today. It’s possible, but to be better you have to be open,” Guardiola continued.
He also reflected on his own approach to coaching, suggesting that improvement comes from openness to change.
“If I’m close-minded, ‘No no only what I know, I don’t want to be added absolutely anything’, I’m completely the opposite and the players have to be the same,” he added.
Nico Gonzalez gradually becoming the perfect Rodri replacement
Since arriving at the Etihad, González has impressed both fans and pundits with his calm presence and precise passing, quickly winning Guardiola’s trust.
His performances in recent matches have drawn comparisons to Rodri himself, and Guardiola believes the young Spaniard has the potential to become just as influential.
“Right now, the first option when Rodri cannot play is absolutely Nico González – making steps forwards,” Guardiola declared. “And he didn’t play against Aston Villa, unfortunately for us, because he was not perfect.”
The manager confirmed that González had missed part of City’s 1-0 defeat against Villa due to an injury concern.
“He had an incredible knock in the game before Aston Villa, he had a problem in the feet, that’s why he was not perfect, perfect. But I think for that position he understands more and gives us more there, it’s Nico,” Guardiola explained.
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City’s depth in midfield has been tested this season due to Rodri’s absences, but González’s emergence has ensured that the team’s rhythm remains intact.
His ability to slot seamlessly into the defensive midfield role has allowed Guardiola to maintain his preferred tactical balance — building play through controlled possession while maintaining stability off the ball.
For Guardiola, who places immense value on tactical intelligence and positional discipline, González’s adaptability has been a pleasant surprise.
The Catalan coach has a history of moulding technically gifted players into world-class midfielders — from Sergio Busquets at Barcelona to Ilkay Gündogan at City — and it appears González could be the next in line.
