Fulham’s Joao Palhinha recently praised Manchester City’s Rodri as the best holding midfielder in the world. Palhinha, who has received acclaim for his own performances in the no.6 role since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2022, humbly acknowledged that he is not yet at Rodri’s level. Despite the high praise, Palhinha remains focused on his job on the pitch and hopes to continue securing wins for his team, starting with their upcoming match against Bournemouth.
Since joining City in 2019, Rodri has been a key figure in the team’s success, contributing to their impressive trophy haul, which includes 10 titles such as the Champions League, 3 Premier League titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup. His impact on the team is evident from their unbeaten record in 90 minutes when he has played this season, with 22 wins and 4 draws. In contrast, the team has won 3 and lost 4 of the 7 games in which Rodri did not feature.
While other holding midfielders like Palhinha, Casemiro, and Rice have received praise for their defensive abilities, Rodri’s contributions extend beyond protecting the backline. As a crucial part of City’s midfield, he acts as a playmaker, orchestrating attacks and contributing to the team’s offensive output with 6 goals and 7 assists in 21 appearances this season.
Palhinha’s admiration for Rodri’s abilities reflects the widespread recognition of the impact and importance of the Spanish international in City’s success. As he continues to excel in his role, Rodri’s influence on the team’s performance is undeniable, cementing his status as one of the best holding midfielders in the world.
