Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have now clashed over Manchester City No.16 Rodri and Arsenal No.41 Declan Rice.
The pair discussed the midfield maestros when speaking on The Rest is Football podcast.
So, what did Alan Shearer and Micah Richards say about Rodri and Declan Rice? Let’s take a look…
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards clash over Rodri and Declan Rice
Well, after the England international scored a 97th minute winner for Arsenal in Tuesday’s 4-3 win over Luton, a debate has commended.
When Gary Lineker asked the simple question of Rodri or Rice, Shearer replied “Rice” as Richards said “Rodri” before laughter erupted.
The man who left Manchester City in 2015 then accused the Newcastle legend of recency bias – with many talking about the £105m man after his late winner.
Richards said: “Alan! Where’s that bandwagon, he just jumps on it. Rice is a very, very good player, but.”
Shearer then interrupted: “He (Richards) will be getting a phone call (from Manchester City) saying Rodri’s upset otherwise!”
Ultimately, Lineker intervened, and the pair agreed to disagree.
Rice is clearly a top player, but it speaks volumes that Manchester City – arguably the best side on the planet right now – do not function without Rodri.
Pep Guardiola has lost all four games in which the Madrid-born maestro has been suspended this season, which says it all.
Manchester City have the edge over Arsenal
In our view, the £62.8m Rodri edges it.
As Richards also conceded, Rice – who admires Kalvin Phillips – is a phenomenal footballer, but he still has a long way to go until he matches the Spain international.
Rodri is a UEFA Champions League winner, as well as a three-time Premier League champion.
The 27-year-old also boasts a UEFA Super Cup medal among other titles, while he was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season last term, which is quite the achievement.
Therefore, Rice – albeit three years younger than the Spaniard – has a lot to catch up on until this can become a serious debate.
