The 24-year-old Argentine midfielder pushed America to the Liga MX Apertura title in 2018.
Liga MX announced that Guido Rodriguez was named the best player in the Apertura 2018. Anchoring Las Aguilas in defensive midfield, Rodriguez helped America to the Apertura title and 2nd best goals-conceded in Liga MX.
Jugador del Torneo
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) December 30, 2018
Guido Rodríguez, el argentino se convirtió en un inamovible de Miguel Herrera gracias a la fortaleza que aportó en el medio campo. A sus 24 años, Rodríguez cerró su gran torneo con el campeonato azulcrema.#LIGABancomerMx ⚽ #SienteTuLiga ⚽ pic.twitter.com/5uSSxxYQsO
In 21 appearances, the Argentine accumulated 5 goals in the Apertura, good for 3rd on Club America, and provided an assist to go along with 85% passing. His biggest contribution, however, was on the defensive end of the pitch. His tireless defensive work produced 1.6 interceptions and 2.4 tackles won per match. He ranked 2nd in Liga MX with 64 total tackles on the season. In addition, he was given just three yellow cards in those matches, a vast improvement over previous seasons.
One of his more memorable performances for me in this Apertura came on October 6 against Tigres UANL. In addition to the game-winning goal in the 57th minute of the match, Rodriguez produced three interceptions, four clearances, 90% pass accuracy and this gorgeous defensive play:
This defensive masterpiece from @Guido_Rodriguez launched the attack where he scored the game-winner off of a corner 👀 pic.twitter.com/R8nIPW212B
— Club América EN (@ClubAmerica_EN) October 8, 2018
I haven’t seen the voting, but I would assume Rodriguez beat out the likes of Julio Furch, Victor Guzman, and Andre-Pierre Gignac for the award. This is no small feat. Even at his position, he would have faced stiff competition from Cruz Azul’s Ivan Marcone, who had a phenomenal Apertura in his own right. In any case, it is hard to have too much to complain about with Guido Rodriguez winning the honor.
At just 24 years old, it’s fair to wonder how he’ll top the 2018 Apertura. One would think his best football is ahead of him and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him linked with a move to Europe sooner rather than later. In the meantime, he’ll enjoy the recognition and keep his focus on being rock solid for Las Aguilas in the 2019 Clausura.