The primary reason why Rodri is as influential as he is for this Manchester City side is because of the number of ways in which he can impact games.

From the City midfielder's immaculate reading of the game to his enviable passing range, ability to carry the ball as well as his eye for goal mean it is virtually impossible for one player to replace him.

When players like Rodri are injured, it takes a collective effort from the team to ensure his absence is not felt.

Much like any elite player, the Spanish international is incredibly multifaceted.

Pep Guardiola will be aware that regardless of which midfielder he tasks to play at the base of midfield, they will be unable to directly replace the 28-year-old.

However, the other midfielders in the side can be instructed to perform certain functions Rodri does that aligns with their profile.

Shaka Hislop explains where Mateo Kovacic was like Rodri against Fulham For instance, Phil Foden, who is a creative midfielder in any case may have been specially advised to place a special emphasis on his chance creation; one of the midfield maestro's best traits.

Furthermore, Foden seemed especially focused in trying to supply chances for Erling Haaland when he picked up the ball in between the lines.

Ilkay Gundogan would have been expected to provide the control that Rodri does.

Mateo Kovacic would have been hoped to provide a degree of the defensive solidity that the former Atletico Madrid orchestrator does.

Pep Guardiola told Kovacic to foray forward in and around the box to score goals; which is one of Rodri's biggest strengths as well.

Shaka Hislop compared the PS25 million man's finish and the timing of his run for his second goal against Fulham to that of the four-time Premier League winner.

Hislop said via ESPN UK: "City can count themselves really, really lucky. And even with [Mateo] Kovacic doing his best Rodri impression. Listen, I thought Kovacic was good and while I said there was a slice of good fortune to the opening goal, I thought the timing of his arrival for the second was Rodri-esque."

"The strike was Rodri-esque. So, talking about this game yesterday, I wondered how City would miss that threat, arriving late from outside the box. Kovacic proved the antidote for that."

Mateo Kovacic should study how Man City teammate Rodri scores such goals Shaka Hislop justifiably likened Kovacic to Rodri - as the timing of his run as well as his strike were similarly brilliant to that of the latter's signature goals.

However, the 30-year-old would ideally wish to contribute with such crucial goals on a frequent basis for Manchester City.

For that to be the case, Kovacic should study how Rodri manages to be such a goalscoring threat.

The Croatian should perhaps especially practice his shooting from outside the box as he would help his City side massively by chipping in with as many goals as the decorated technician tends to.

If Kovacic can manage to successfully replace Rodri in this respect, he could give teams another key reason to fear this Manchester City machine.