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De Bruyne: Rodri is the perfect Fernandinho replacement

Kevin De Bruyne says summer signing Rodri is the perfect replacement for Fernandinho in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield.

The Spain international became City’s club-record signing when he made a €70 million (£63m/$79m) move to Etihad Stadium from Atletico Madrid at the start of this month.

The midfielder has been tipped to be a long-term successor for Fernandinho, who turned 34 in May and suffered from a number of injuries last season.

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The Brazilian midfielder was a regular absentee during the second half of the campaign, making just three starts between the end of February and the end of the season as City secured a domestic treble.