The Premier League has revealed a stat that no player this season has won possession more than Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
After having a campaign that was arguably on par with some of Fernandinho’s best-ever seasons, the £62.8 million (The Independent) man has been outstanding once again this term. So much so that the general consensus amongst City fans is that he has been their best player behind Erling Haaland this season.
The stat seems to back why Rodri is regarded as one of, if not the best defensive midfielder in the world, as he has won possession more times than any player in the Premier League.
Stat: How many times has Rodri won possession in the Premier League?
After the Spanish international’s all-conquering display against Crystal Palace in his side’s recent 1-0 win, Pep Guardiola was in awe of just how splendid he was on the night. And considering Guardiola himself was an elite No.6 back in the day, that’s saying something.
Now, the Premier League have revealed that Rodri has won possession a staggering 243 times in the Premier League this season.
The likes of West Ham United’s Declan Rice (232), Arsenal’s William Saliba (206), Leeds United’s Tyler Adams (199) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (199) compromise the top five.
Goes to show that Rodri is much better defensively than given credit for
Often, much of the praise surrounding the ex-Atletico Madrid lynchpin is around excellent he is on the ball.
However, the fact that a stat proves that Rodri has won possession more times than any player in the Premier League for a Manchester City side, which alongside Arsenal dominates the ball more than any side in the division is a testament to how much of an elite defensive presence he is.
While the decorated midfielder may not be as naturally athletic as some of his peers, his reading of the game and tackling is second to none.
