Manchester City won their opening Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade 3-1 last night – and Joleon Lescott heaped praise on midfielder Rodri after the game.
City got their defence of the title off to a great start at the Etihad.
After Red Star took a shock lead in the game just before half-time, City hit back in the second half with Julian Alvarez scoring twice and then Rodri wrapping the game up with a brilliant controlled finish.
In truth, City could have scored about seven or eight goals in this game had it not been for a mixture of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeper from Omri Glazer.
But City will obviously take the win.
After the game, Lescott raved over Rodri, who once again put in an incredible performance…
Joleon Lescott in awe of Manchester City midfielder Rodri after Red Star win
Rodri was scintillating once again for City.
He showed complete control in the midfield, and he also offered an attacking threat, as has been the case since the start of the season.
His display was amazing and after the game, Lescott really laid on the compliments – and compared him to a City Centurion and Fourmidable.
He said on TNT Sports: “I think he’s arguably the most intelligent player in the team. The way he plays that position. People question whether he could replace Fernandinho, and he’s done that in abundance.
“And in a different style I might add. He’s not a ‘tough tackler’, but his understanding of positioning, when to nullify attacks, interceptions, his regains in the final third. He also has that level of composure in front of goal that we have seen numerous times.”
Rio Ferdinand then added that Rodri was like ‘that big kid in the playground you can’t get the ball off’.
Rodri is a sensation
It is simply a pleasure to watch Rodri play football.
The £63 million man doesn’t have a single weakness in his game right now, and he simply has to be City’s most important player.
And Lescott may well be right to suggest him as being the most intelligent in the team.
The crazy thing is that he is still only 27.
The man has not even entered his peak yet and is operating at this level.
At the risk of sounding reactionary, it is difficult not to think that Rodri could well become the best defensive midfielder of all-time when he comes to hang up his boots.
