Leeds United player Ilia Gruev has said that Manchester City star Rodri is the best defensive-midfielder in the world.
After helping the Citizens win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, the 27-year-old and his teammates are on the hunt to regain those three titles.
Now though, the Spaniard has found himself on the end of some big praise from a player who is currently aiming to take his side into the Premier League next season.
Gruev says Rodri is the best
Speaking in a recent interview with Leeds Live, Gruev had this to say about Rodri.
He said: “I would say, at the moment, there isn’t a better holding six than Rodri. For me, he’s amazing and when you watch him you would say it’s so easy what he’s doing, but it’s so difficult.”
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium back in 2019 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £62m, the midfielder has gone on to make 244 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions.
Across those appearances, Rodri has racked up 24 goals and 27 assists as well as winning numerous trophies including three Premier League titles.
After scoring the winning goal in City’s Champions League final clash against Inter Milan, the Spain international came fifth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, which highlights how impressive he was across the previous season.
This season has seen Rodri earn himself an overall rating of 7.56/10 from WhoScored for his efforts in the Premier League, making him the second-highest-rated player in the entire division, which further showcases his talent.
With all of that in mind, it’s clear that the Spaniard is a key figure for City and it’s easy to see why Gruev, who could be playing against Rodri next season if Leeds get promoted, is such an admirer of the midfielder.