Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho says Rodri's debut performance in the Community Shield shows he can be an important player for the club for years.
Rodri made his first competitive start in midfield for City in the Community Shield victory, and impressed at Wembley against a tough opponent in Liverpool.
With Fernandinho only returning to training on Monday following his Copa America exploits, Rodri has had the opportunity to stake his claim in midfield during pre-season and looks favourite to start in the Premier League opener against West Ham on Saturday.
Rodri has been brought in to eventually replace Fernandinho, but the Brazilian is not fazed by the challenge, instead focusing on how Rodri can benefit the team this season.
And Fernandinho told Globo Esporte that Rodri's performance at Wembley was a perfect start to his City career.
"He proved to us that he is an excellent player," said Fernandinho.
"Depending on us we will help him so that he can adapt as quickly as possible and do everything he knows. I think the most important thing is that the player feels good, feels comfortable, and I hope he can contribute a lot to our team."
Fernandinho knows all about adapting to the Premier League and fulfilling a vital role in Pep Guardiola's side, and he explained why Rodri has all the attributes to be a success in the future for City.
He said: "He is a player who has a very good physique, has a very good technical quality and no doubt will get the way to play the English Championship and will be a very important player for us in the coming years, no doubt."
