Pep Guardiola didn't hesitate to weigh in on the title of the world's best midfielder. Surprisingly, he didn't point to stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, or Bernardo Silva, who have all showcased their prowess on the pitch.
City, currently trailing Liverpool by four points, fought hard to secure a 1-1 draw against Chelsea over the weekend, with Rodri's late deflected effort salvaging a valuable point. Despite the hiccup, Guardiola remains optimistic, with a game in hand against both Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal.
While De Bruyne played a pivotal role in City's recent winning streak, and Foden dazzled with a hat-trick against Brentford, Guardiola's choice for the best midfielder might raise eyebrows. The manager hinted that there's someone else who, in his view, stands out "by far" as the world's top midfielder.
He began: "I would say if the holding midfielder doesn't get the same appreciation as the strikers or the number 10 then that is good.
"When the holding midfielder has a lot of appreciation, it is not good. The holding midfielder has to play positive, for him and the team, and make the team play. This is the role for the holding midfielder.
"But Rodri always has the ability in important moments to score goals, so he's an unbelievable player. He's the best midfield player in the world currently by far, because he is able to do everything."
"What a signing. It's difficult to understand how we could have done what we have done in recent years without him."
It might be a bit surprising for some City fans that Guardiola didn't pick De Bruyne, but there's a growing consensus that he might be onto something with his choice of Rodri as the best midfielder in the world.
What's truly impressive is that City hasn't lost a single game in the last 55 matches where Rodri has been on the field. This remarkable streak spans over a year, showcasing Rodri's impact and the team's resilience with him in action.
