Erling Haaland is obviously one of the best players in the world, and arguably the best striker. Manchester City is lucky to have him around for a while longer, unless something bad happens due to potential future sanctions. But Haaland's success can't completely overshadow an issue with City currently.

That problem is exposed further by another player on the FIFPRO World XI, to which Halland was named this week. Former Blues player Rodri was also named to the squad. The Spaniard left after last season, and City misses him badly.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Man City began the season brilliantly, helped by an abundance of goals. Even then, though, a problem was becoming clear: City leads the midfield open and is easily exposed in that area. Would Rodri's ball possession skills immediately improve that situation? Of course.

Erling Haaland can't fix the Manchester City problems that Rodri could

Instead, he is doing his best for Barcelona. His play has been spectacular this season, but that comes as no surprise. When healthy, Rodri has never been anything short of one of the best midfielders in the world of football.

No one knows that better than his peers. The voting for the FIFPRO World XI is done by players, which augments the level of respect the honorary squad should get. This isn't pundits and fans voting, but players who go against Rodri and Haaland and understand just how difficult that task is.

Rodri leaving wasn't shocking, of course. He wanted to play in his home nation, where his family lives, and he can be seen playing for a club he has long admired. Manchester City worked with him to make the move possible. It was the right thing to do.

The problem is that City should have foreseen just how much of a difference not having Rodri would have made. The club didn't have a real replacement for him, and while Maresca has brought in players he is familiar with, that hasn't helped with a situation that is growing worse with every match.

City began the Premier League season with seven straight victories but has lost its last three. That scenario hadn't unfolded with a top-tier club since Sheffield Wednesday 121 years ago. Fans can't know if Maresca can fix the problem because things aren't immediately improving.

Would City have had so many issues had Rodri been kept around? Sure, he wanted to go, and the team should have allowed him to leave, but if we are playing the "what if" game, then what if Manchester City still had Rodri? What seems clear is that the season wouldn't be trending worse, and that is exactly what it is doing as the second international break begins.