"If any other team lost a player like that, they would struggle too" - Phil Foden insists Manchester City are struggling without key player

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has accepted that they are missing Rodri this season. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is sidelined for the rest of the campaign after rupturing his ACL in September.

While the Cityzens initially looked to be managing well without their star man, they were soon found wanting. Manchester City were recently on a run of six defeats and one draw in seven games, which ended with the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Speaking to The Times, Foden insisted that any other team would struggle without a player like Rodri.

"The award is deserved and shows how good Rodri is. It's been tough without him. We don't have a No6 as such. If any other team lost a player like that, they would struggle too. It's about trying to deal with the situation and find solutions," said Foden.

Rodri has been an indispensable part of Manchester City's recent success. The 28-year-old helped Pep Guardiola's team complete a historic treble in the 2022-23 campaign.

Rodri registered nine goals and 14 assists from 50 games for City last season, helping them win the Premier League and the UEFA Super Cup. Over the summer, he helped Spain win Euro 2024, starting all but one group-stage game, where he was rested. His efforts helped the Spaniard win the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy this year, ahead of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

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How many Premier League titles have Manchester City won so far?

Rodri with the Ballon d'Or trophy

Manchester City have won the Premier League eight times so far, including six of the last seven titles. The Cityzens got their hands on the league trophy for the first time in the 2011-12 campaign under Roberto Manchini.

Manchester United finished second that season, losing the league by goal difference. The Red Devils wrestled the title away the following season, thanks to a marauding Robin van Persie.

However, City were at it again in the 2013-14 campaign under Manuel Pellegrini, clinching the league ahead of Liverpool. Pep Guardiola entered the scenes in 2016 and completely turned the club's fortunes around.

Since then, the Cityzens have won the Premier League six more times. The Spanish manager has also guided them to two FA Cup trophies, four EFL Cups, and three Community Shields.

Guardiola brought the Champions League trophy to the Etihad in 2023 and has also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City.