Pep Guardiola has described Manchester City midfielder Rodri as 'by far' the best player in his position in world football. The Spain international scored a late equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, extending City's unbeaten Premier League run to nine games.
Guardiola praised Rodri's ability to perform in crucial moments while noting that holding midfielders often do not receive the same acclaim as attackers. 'When a holding midfielder has a lot of appreciation, it is not good,' he said. 'But Rodri always has the ability in important moments to score goals.'
City have not lost a match in which Rodri has played since February 2023, a run spanning over 12 months. Guardiola hailed the 27-year-old's impact, adding: 'What a signing. It’s difficult to understand how we could have done what we have done in recent years without him.'
Despite the draw, City remain third in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Liverpool and Arsenal, though they have a game in hand. The champions face Brentford on Tuesday in a rearranged fixture.
Kyle Walker acknowledged the title race is a three-way battle, highlighting Liverpool's momentum but also City's motivation to become the first side to win four consecutive top-flight titles.
