Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and now-pundit Jamie O’Hara sang a Manchester City player’s praises.
A case can be made about several City players being the best in the world in their respective positions — even if their status as such is not universally accepted.
For instance, Kevin De Bruyne has often been labeled as the best midfielder in world football for several years — even if others believed the title belonged to likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and N’Golo Kante in previous years.
Similarly, Erling Haaland is considered as the finest striker in the game by many — with Virgil van Dijk claiming the Norwegian goalscorer is virtually faultless as a number nine.
Nowadays, Rodri is also being mentioned in conversations that are reserved for the crème de la crème of players in world football.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Jamie O’Hara makes fresh Rodri claim
Shaka Hislop claimed the Manchester City maestro should win the Ballon d’Or — having been equally brilliant for Manchester City and Spain in their respective Premier League and Euro 2024 triumphs.
The £62.5 million man seemingly commands respect within the game as well.
Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha claimed that the City midfielder is quite simply the standout number six in world football.
When discussing Kalvin Phillips’ struggles in a Manchester City shirt, Jamie O’Hara stressed that Rodri is the best midfielder in the world.
The pundit said on talkSPORT: “I think he’s [Kalvin Phillips] lost a bit of belief in his ability, hasn’t he and it happens, right, he’s not a bad player. But you go to Man City and you realise how many top players you’re having to deal with. I mean, he has to deal with playing with Rodri, you got no chance, he’s the best midfielder in the world.”
Rodri is the best midfielder in the world without question
Jamie O’Hara makes a fair claim as it is difficult to look past Rodri as the finest midfielder in the game.
The Spanish international’s completeness as a midfielder is astounding; as he is brilliant defensively, excellent at carrying the ball and contributing offensively, capable of producing goals and assists, a master at controlling games, an elite technician and incredibly imposing physically as well.
Furthermore, Rodri’s consistency — especially in comparison to other midfielders is unparalleled — as while others like De Bruyne have suffered injuries or Modric has taken a bit-part role at Real Madrid — he is at the peak of his powers.
Considering the 28-year-old’s success at club and international level in the past few years as well, he has managed to put any potential debates regarding whether he ranks as the standout midfielder on the planet to bed.
