Manchester City‘s newest signing, Nico Gonzalez, has requested to be known simply as “Nico,” mirroring a similar request made by his teammate Rodri. This request comes after just 22 minutes of playing time for the club, following his debut in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient.

Gonzalez, who joined City in a £49.8 million transfer from Porto, made his debut in the FA Cup and suffered a minor hip injury, forcing his substitution in the first half. He’s now expected to be available for the crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

Gonzalez’s request to use only his first name follows in the footsteps of his teammate Rodri, who also prefers to go by his nickname. This practice is common among several football legends, including Raúl González and Xavi Hernandez, who have also dropped their surnames in their professional careers. The clarity provided by this simple request also aids in distinguishing him from another player named Nico Gonzalez at Juventus.

A boost for City’s midfield

Gonzalez’s arrival offers a much-needed boost to Manchester City’s midfield. With Rodri sidelined due to injury since September, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic have faced significant pressure.

The club invested heavily in the defensive midfielder to address this weakness, making him one of four major signings during the January transfer window. Gonzalez’s presence promises to provide stability and control in midfield, alleviating the pressure on other players and contributing to a more balanced approach.

With Rodri showing signs of a faster-than-expected recovery from an ACL injury, the potential for a midfield partnership with Gonzalez is a significant positive for Manchester City. Rodri’s inclusion in the Champions League squad suggests his imminent return, setting the stage for a formidable midfield pairing in the coming months.

The addition of Nico Gonzalez bolsters City’s midfield options, both for the immediate future and potentially establishing a long-term partnership between the two players once Rodri is fully recovered. This combination offers significant potential for Manchester City’s continued success in the Premier League and Champions League.