Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-05 13:30:00
Fulham anchor Joao Palhinha has praised Rodri as the best defensive midfielder in the world. There is a growing consensus among football pundits and players that Rodri is unmatched in his position. Paul Merson, a prominent football analyst, recently declared that Rodri is the standout player in his position in world football, despite not being a “maverick,” in his opinion.
Steve Sidwell, a former professional football player, went as far as to claim that Declan Rice himself would admit that he is “nowhere near” Rodri as a player. Another former player, Gabby Agbonlahor, also weighed in, stating that the Manchester City star ranks just outside the five best players in Europe.
“Rodri is a step higher than the other players [in defensive midfield], in my opinion. But it’s good that people like and respect me [because] it shows that my job here has been good.”
“I just focus on the job inside the pitch to try to get wins for my team, hopefully starting with Bournemouth”, he told Capital Football UK about the Manchester City maestro after Fulham’s latest 2-2 draw against Burnley.
Palhinha’s incredibly high opinion of Rodri is evidenced by him stating that Rodri is on another level than every other defensive midfielder in the game. This claim is not made lightly, given that Palhinha himself is regarded as one of the standout defensive midfielders in the Premier League. His high praise for Rodri demonstrates how highly he is rated by his peers in the football world.
It is evident that Rodri has raised the bar for defensive midfielders across Europe, influencing how the position is played. With many other top players, such as Declan Rice, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Casemiro, playing in his position across Europe, this is no easy feat. Despite his greatness, it is noteworthy to see how highly regarded Palhinha and other players view Rodri.
Rodri’s impact on the game is also reflected in his humility and dedication to his craft. Palhinha mentioned that he respects the Manchester City maestro, and that his focus remains on his performances on the pitch. This suggests that Rodri’s influence extends beyond his on-field abilities, as he is also admired for his professionalism and work ethic.
It is clear that Rodri’s influence is expansive, with his impact on his peers being notable. His status as the best defensive midfielder in the world is a testament to his skill and influence in the game. As Rodri continues to showcase his abilities, it is likely that his reputation and impact on the game will only grow.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
