Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante. Or simply Rodri. Or even simpler - The Master

What's the Spanish word for perfection? Rodri.

Of course, that's not an actual translation (perfección is the correct answer), but it sums up the qualities of the Manchester City and Spain holding midfielder, who is playing the football of his life at the age of 27.

Just take a look at his performance on Sunday night away at Norway, as the unplayable operator dictated his side's game in the most meticulous way possible.

Along with his running heatmap, which shows Rodri covers almost every single inch of space between the boxes, La Roja's playmaker showcased sensational passing skills, too.

To be precise, he made a staggering 106 accurate passes out of 110! Moreover, all 17 of his long balls ended up just where he intended to send them, landing on a sixpence from a far distance. Those four possessions he lost during 90 minutes only prove he's a human being, not a robot.

But a human being of incredible importance for both his national team and the club, as Manchester City have faced a series of dreadful results that coincided with Rodri's absence.

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Away losses to Arsenal and Wolves in the Premier League and elimination from the League Cup at the hands of Newcastle tell a story of Rodri's brilliance. Without the guy who connects the back line with the attacking duo Alvarez-Haaland, Pep Guardiola's team has faced until-recently unknown drama of trailing and losing several consecutive games.

Unfortunately for the Cityzens, he'll miss the upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton, too. That fixture is going to be the third and the last EPL duel he'll watch from the stands due to a suspension following a red card against Nottingham Forest in mid-September.

Far too many, if you ask Pep and City fans.

The Spanish boss has been and still is full of praise for his compatriot and his appeal in every sense of the word.

"Rodri has no tattoos. He has no earrings. His hair is that of the classic defensive midfielder. A defensive midfielder has to be like that. Thinking all the time, thinking for others," said Pep, recently talking about his most reliable and influential player along with Kevin de Bruyne.

That's why he needs them back and needs them fast.