Danny Murphy believes Manchester City have someone who might actually be the greatest player he’s ever seen in his position.
Tonight, it’s the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.
Fans are hoping Gareth Southgate can mastermind a victory and end 58 years of hurt. Spain have been brilliant in the tournament so far, and it will be a stern test.
But fans believe. England have been nowhere near their best over the last few weeks, which has some people thinking it might just be written.
Spain have been super to watch, and one man who has been key in their progression to the final is Rodri.
The City star – who Robbie Fowler thinks has been the best player at the Euros – will surely play a prominent role in tonight’s game, and ahead of the clash, Danny Murphy has made some very bold claims.
Danny Murphy suggests Rodri is the best holding midfielder in football history
In the last two years or so, Rodri has been performing at an incredibly high level.
He was absolutely instrumental in City’s Treble-winning season in 2022/23, and he then followed that up with another phenomenal campaign in 2023/24 in which he personally went unbeaten in the Premier League.
For many people, £220,000-a-week ace Rodri is now the best holding midfielder in the game bar none.
But former midfielder Murphy has gone one step further. In his eyes, Rodri may actually now be the greatest holding midfielder of all-time.
He said: “Rodri is probably the greatest holding midfielder I’ve ever seen – and there have been some great ones.
“His work without the ball is phenomenal, but the way he can dictate games with the ball doesn’t get enough credit.
“He’s a wonderful footballer and between Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, or Harry Kane when he comes deep, we’ve got to put pressure on Rodri and stop him running the show.”
A conversation for a later date
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
There is little doubt at the moment that Rodri is the best player in the world in his position.
This is a very big claim from Murphy and some will be inclined to agree with him.
But it’s definitely a conversation for a later date, and potentially one for when Rodri actually retires from football.
It is perhaps easy to say this while Rodri is at his peak. But he still has around seven or eight years left in the game, so we need to how the second half of his career pans out.
But certainly, if he maintains this level for a few more years, many will be saying the same as Murphy is now.
