Pep Guardiola praised goalscorer Rodri for his "incredible" physicality after the Spain midfielder capped a commanding performance with a thundering strike in Manchester City's 4-1 victory at Burnley.
The summer signing from Atletico Madrid put in an action-packed shift as Turf Moor as the hosts were forced to chase shadows as City enjoyed 77 per cent of possession.
At the centre of it was Rodri, who has been tasked with anchoring City's midfield with regular enforcer Fernandinho shifted to centre-back to cover injuries.
"Rodri was incredible for his physicality. The way he trains, he wants to learn, it’s nice to talk to him about tactics," Guardiola said.
"In the right moment he helped us, he adjusted and he’s perfect for this league, and I think Manchester City bought an incredible player for the next years.
"It was outstanding the way he played, not just with the ball. He was so clever moving right to left. That's why the reception for the players up front was easier and quicker.
"He was in the right moment for the transitions. Always he helped us. He's adjusted and he's perfect for this league."
With Sergio Aguero sidelined by injury it was left to Gabriel Jesus to lead the line and the Brazilian helped himself to a brace either side of Rodri's strike with Riyad Mahrez adding a fourth late on to render Robbie Brady's 89th-minute strike nothing more than a consolation.
Guardiola was most pleased with City's passing, registering 773 to Burnley's 241.
"I’m glad we pass more," he said, noting that had been a key factor behind the team's recent dip in form.
"The lack of more passes ... we are built to have the ball and pass. You have to move the ball more as it’s the only way, to pass the ball, we did it really well," he said.
City's win cut Liverpool's lead down to eight points with the table-toppers in action on Wednesday against neighbours Everton.
Guardiola was realistic about City's prospects at overhauling Jurgen Klopp's side, saying it would be "crazy" to think about winning a third successive Premier League title.
"Our team is stable and that's what we want. For the distance we have with Liverpool it would be crazy to think about the title, we have to think about the [weekend Manchester] derby, the other competitions, and take this rhythm." he said.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche conceded his side were outplayed.
Dyche said: "In the first half we tried to keep it tight, we know it's difficult if you open up against these sort of sides.
"They scored a worldy to get their noses in front and then in the second half we didn't turn up at all. We didn't lay a glove on them physically. We didn't keep the ball and they did.
"They've been getting a lot of question marks but when they turn up they really do. They were by far the better side."
