Ex-Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott says he would rank Rodri ahead of Manchester United star Casemiro.

While he acknowledges that the Brazilian has had a transformative effect on the Red Devils since he moved from Real Madrid last summer, Lescott feels Rodri is still superior:

“I would [take Rodri over Casemiro]. Casemiro has been impactful for Man Utd, but from a centre-half’s point of view, and what I want them to do, I think he [Rodri] prevents a lot of opportunities for the opposition. He recognises the danger so early, so the attacks don’t even start. I would definitely put him ahead of Casemiro, it’s not just my biased Man City hat on!”

Since Rodri arrived at the Etihad in 2019, he has picked up five trophies, including two Premier League titles. While he did, admittedly, take a year to really settle into life in England, he has been a very consistent performer over the last few seasons.

The 26-year-old is held in very high regard by Pep Guardiola. While City brought in England international Kalvin Phillips from Leeds to compete with Rodri for a place in the starting lineup, the Spaniard has rarely been left out by the manager. This campaign, the midfielder has been named in the eleven on 39 occasions out of a possible 44 fixtures in total.