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Published on 2024-05-14 18:15:00
Gary Neville has weighed in on the debate about who is the better defensive midfielder between Rodri and Declan Rice. He believes that Rodri, the Manchester City player, is superior in that position compared to Rice, who often plays a more advanced role for West Ham United. Neville highlights Rodri’s intelligence and positional discipline as key factors that set him apart in the defensive midfield position.
Despite Rodri being praised for his abilities as a holding midfielder, there is acknowledgment of Declan Rice’s athleticism and speed, which are considered superior to Rodri’s. However, it is noted that if Rodri had the same level of athleticism as Rice, the debate about who is the better defensive midfielder would likely lean heavily in favor of Rodri. Both players have had exceptional campaigns and are considered among the best performers in the Premier League, with Rice receiving praise for his improvement and versatility on the field.
Gary Neville’s analysis suggests that while Rodri excels as a traditional holding midfielder, Declan Rice is better suited to a more advanced position on the left. The pundit points out that Rice may lack the discipline required for the defensive midfield role and suggests that Gareth Southgate, the England national team manager, may prefer to utilize Rice in a different position. Overall, Neville concludes that while Rodri and Rice have their respective strengths and weaknesses, Rodri is the superior player in the traditional defensive midfielder role.
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