{
  "id": 1336003,
  "title": "EPL: Any team ‘ld miss him, Maresca hails Ballon d’Or winner Rodri",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/epl-any-team-ld-miss-him-maresca-hails-ballon-dor-winner-rodri",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T19:52:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-any-team-ld-miss-him-maresca-hails-ballon-dor-winner-rodri/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized the significant role that midfielder Rodri plays for the team, comparing him to a player any club in the world would struggle without. Maresca highlighted Rodri's remarkable achievements, including winning the World Cup and receiving the Ballon d'Or, calling him a top-tier player that every team would need. However, Maresca cautioned against solely attributing City's current performance issues to Rodri's absence. He stressed that the team's success should not be measured by his presence or lack thereof, but rather by their collective performance. The manager also confirmed that the club is actively making signings, indicating that they are aware of the necessary steps to improve their squad.",
  "summary": "Man City manager Enzo Maresca praises Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, acknowledging his importance while stressing team performance over individual absence. Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-any-team-ld-miss-him-maresca-hails-ballon-dor-winner-rodri/",
  "key_points": [
    "Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca praises Rodri's indispensable role.",
    "Rodri won World Cup and received Ballon d'Or, hailed as top-tier player.",
    "Maresca urges focus on collective performance, not Rodri's presence."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Any team ‘ld miss him, Maresca hails Ballon d’Or winner Rodri",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/epl-any-team-ld-miss-him-maresca-hails-ballon-dor-winner-rodri-1339643",
        "published": "2026-08-16T20:14:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}