On Saturday, the Spain international saved title-chasing Manchester City as his late equalizer salvaged what would turn out to be a crucial point.
Unsung Hero Hailed: Guardiola Crowns Rodri the “Best Midfielder in the World”
Although Rodri is “by far” the best midfield player in the world, Pep Guardiola is happy that his performances are not always the talk of the town. The Spain international saved a potentially crucial point for title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday when he netted a late equalizer against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.
Now, more than a year has passed since City’s defeat to Tottenham on February 5 of last year, a game in which the 27-year-old participated. Apart from his dramatic equalizer this past weekend and his goal that won the Champions League final, he hardly takes the spotlight away from players like Kevin De Bruyne or Erling Haaland.
Guardiola acknowledges that’s precisely how he prefers it. The holding midfielder shouldn’t receive the same credit as the strikers or the number 10, according to the City boss. It is not good when a holding midfielder receives a lot of praise.
The holding midfielder needs to lead the team in play and play a beneficial role for both himself and the team. They are supposed to play this position. The players up front who score goals, dish out assists, and so on, must be the focus of all the highlights.
“But Rodri is an amazing player who consistently scores goals at crucial times. Because of his versatility, he is currently the best midfield player in the world.
“What a promising sign. Without him, it’s hard to see how we could have accomplished what we have in recent years.
City Remain in Title Hunt Despite Draw, Walker Excited for Three-Way Battle
While Manchester City’s draw against Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to nine games, the dropped points leave them four points off the top, currently behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, the champions have a chance to close the gap when they play their game in hand against Brentford on Tuesday. Defender Kyle Walker is excited about the developing three-way title fight, acknowledging the strong competition from Liverpool and Arsenal.
The England right-back said”I feel like we’re up against two very, very good teams in Liverpool and Arsenal,” the right-back for England stated.
“Liverpool has the momentum, and it’s clear that the manager’s departure has given them some extra motivation to send him off on a positive note.
We have our own motive, though, since we want to accomplish something that no one has ever done: win four straight.
“At the end of a hard, hard 38 games, the best team wins, but we’ll still be fighting on all fronts, as we always do,” the player said.