Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 4-0 win over the visitors, thanks to a 15-minute hat-trick from Omar Marmoush.
James McAtee scored another goal in the second half, further cementing City's victory, who moved into the top four after Chelsea's defeat at Brighton on Friday.
However, although Marmoush was the star of the match, Guardiola was particularly impressed with the performance of Gonzalez, who was making his Premier League debut.
Gonzalez, who joined City from Porto for £50 million in the final hours of the transfer window, made an immediate impact in midfield, partnering Ilkay Gundogan.
Guardiola believes the 23-year-old could ultimately be the right replacement for Rodri, whose absence with an ACL injury has affected City's ambitions this season.
"I feel that the team has bought a player with a great future, both mentally and in terms of effort."
"He's very young, 23 years old, he's close to Rodri. That's a big compliment—and I feel he has a strong desire and a great football fight."
"Of course, he's still far from Rodri's level. Rodri is the best."
"But our feeling, and everyone's feeling, is that Gonzalez will help us in the final part of this season."