Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola tagged Rodrigo as the best holding midfielder in the world after his starring performance in City’s 3-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.
Rodri scored Manchester City’s third goal of the night against the Serbian champions with a side-footed low strike beyond Red Star keeper Omri Glazer.
However, it was his all-round performance in the middle of the park that earned him a man of the match award and Guardiola doesn’t think there’s anyone currently better in his position.
While speaking to the press in the post-match conference, Guardiola said Man City are lucky they signed Rodri.
“Right now, yeah, he is the best. Hopefully he can be better and improve but he is an extraordinary holding midfielder.
“We were lucky the club signed this player and when he arrived he was not this type of player. Of course, he plays an amount of games and now he is one of the captains. He is a top-class player.
“The goal is top class but defensively, offensively he reads the play and spaces and knows exactly where men are free. Close to the box, he is so dangerous. He loves to arrive in the final third and dribble and shoot. He is playing really, really well.”
Rodri’s performance helped City enjoy more than 70% of ball possession and made 37 attempts on goal.
The only blow Manchester City faced was the injury Bernardo Silva suffered. He was consequently forced off the pitch just before half-time.
Guardiola said the Portugal international is ruled out of this weekend’s encounter against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
“I didn’t speak to the doctor but apparently for the next game he will not be available to play.” Guardiola told the press.
Silva joins an injury list that has seen Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Kovacic, and Jack Grealish unavailable for City since the international break.
