Champions League: Manchester City's Rodri 'the most important player for any team in the Premier League' - Rio Ferdinand

Manchester City lynchpin Rodri is "the most important player to any team in the Premier League", was the verdict of Rio Ferdinand after watching the Spaniard marshal his team to an ultimately comfortable 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League.

Rodri helped City have the upper hand in midfield throughout, and it was a key reason they eventually pulled away from their Danish opponents, despite conceding a leveller in the first-half.

Ferdinand, speaking afterwards on TNT Sports, said: "Rodri, I have to single out.

"We marvel over stats now and we’ll talk about players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, but the rhythm of this game is controlled and drives through one person, and that is Rodri.

"He is phenomenal, and he is the conductor within this team."

He added: "It’s actually over a year since they’ve lost when he’s played in this team. That’s how important he is.

"I think he’s possibly the most important player for any team in the Premier League."

Rodri played a key role in City’s historic Treble win last season, scoring the winning goal against Inter to claim their first ever Champions League crown in the final.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2019 from Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old has won three consecutive Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup, as well as last season's European title.

The midfielder has been a key figure throughout that period of success, making 236 appearances for City and producing 23 goals and 23 assists.

Joleon Lescott explained what makes the Spain international such a pivotal figure for Pep Guardiola’s side.

“He’s important when they’re out of possession,” said the former Manchester City defender.

“His ability to read the play; nullify attacks, especially high up the pitch.

“When people say defensive attributes, they tend to think about close to the goal, but he wins the ball back and forces play to be so precise and high up the pitch. He’s so important to the team.”

Next up for City is a Premier League clash with Chelsea in Manchester on Saturday.

They will then face Brentford, Bournemouth and Manchester United in the league and Luton Town in the FA Cup before their second leg clash with Copenhagen on March 6.

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