There are so many top-quality players at Manchester City right now – and Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has named one of them as the best in the Premier League.
Manchester City ran out 4-1 winners in their second Premier League game against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for the hosts, with Kevin De Bruyne also getting his first of the season.
Savinho gave another lively display, and there were more plaudits for young Rico Lewis.
One of the biggest positives for City was the fact they won without midfield maestro Rodri. City were, of course, expected to beat Premier League new boys Ipswich regardless of whether Rodri would play or not.
But there is always that little bit of concern when he’s unavailable, especially after the team’s struggles without him last season.
For Eddie Howe, he is the top man in the Premier League at the moment.
Eddie Howe explains why Rodri is the best player in the Premier League at the moment
For quite a while, many fans have felt Kevin De Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League.
The Belgian has been at the top of his game for years, and is capable of doing things on a pitch that no other player can.
But he spent a lot of time on the sidelines last term due to injury – and that allowed Rodri more time in the spotlight for City.
Eddie Howe sat down to film a video for Sky Sports and his assistant Jason Tindall had to guess who Howe would pick as the best player in the Premier League.
Tindall went for De Bruyne, but Howe opted for Rodri, saying: “I think Rodri is incredible.
“We’ve seen him up close now. No matter when we have played Manchester City, his desire to win, added to his technical and tactical delivery, has been the highest level.”
Before that, Howe had admitted he has always had an appreciation for the technicians of the game, and players that show professionalism and a will to win.
Rodri the best player in the PL right now
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
There is certainly an argument for Rodri being the best player in the Premier League at the moment. City’s newest signing Ilkay Gundogan branded him ‘irreplaceable’.
The Spaniard has just shown such consistency over the past couple of seasons, and it has been clear to see the influence he has on this side.
Haaland’s goalscoring is incredible, as is the creativity of De Bruyne.
But the job Rodri does for City is huge and he always dominates games. Not only does he provide that defensive solidity for City, but we know now that he can chip in in the final third.
He does it all, and right now, it is difficult to disagree with Howe.
