Numerous Manchester City players are likely to be in action for the upcoming quarter-final matches of the 2024 European Championship.
After 14 players – more than any other side in the Premier League – were picked from City’s squad to play in the tournament, 10 of them have made it to the quarter-final stage with their countries.
Ahead of the next round of international games in Germany, a pundit has shared some significant praise for one particular City star, who has played a key role for club and country in recent years.
Paul Merson says Rodri is miles ahead of Toni Kroos and Declan Rice
When assessing some of the standout players of the tournament so far ahead of the upcoming quarter-final matches, Paul Merson had this to say about Rodri in a recent edition of Football’s Greatest.
He said: “Rodri, unbelievable. The geezer is the best holding-midfield player in the world by a country mile, not even close.
“You talk about your Declan Rice’s and your Toni Kroos’, who’s phenomenal. Rodri’s on a different level.
“What he does more than anybody, he just steps up with big goals in big games.
“Against Georgia, they’re up against it. They’re 1-0 down. Georgia looked dangerous on the counter-attack and he takes it onto his weaker foot. His touch is phenomenal, puts it in.
“He’s definitely up there as well, 100%.”
Rodri outperformed Kroos and Rice last season
Comparing Rodri’s previous domestic campaign with Kroos and Rice, the Spaniard made more progressive passes (376), shots on target (22), shot-creating actions (157), goal-creating actions (23), tackles in the attacking third of the pitch (12), carries into the final third of the pitch (88) and recoveries (235) than the duo Merson mentioned.
Kroos, himself, recently shared his admiration for the City midfielder by highlighting in a recent press conference how important he is for his club and country.
Now that Merson has claimed that Rodri is the best holding-midfielder in the world and streets above Kroos and Rice, this shouldn’t surprise many City supporters who know all about what the Spaniard offers his side on the pitch.