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Pep Guardiola labels Manchester City star as ‘the best in Europe’

Pep Guardiola at Man City
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The Man City boss was full of praise for one of his star players after seeing his side go from a goal down to beat Red Star Belgrade.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has branded Rodri as the finest holding midfielder in Europe.

On Tuesday, Rodri scored Manchester City’s third goal of their Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade to seal a 3-1 comeback victory at the Etihad.

His authoritative presence, coupled with his precise distribution and goal-scoring prowess, earned him the UEFA Player of the Match award.

“He’s the best,” Guardiola said of Rodri after the game.

“Hopefully, he can be better, he has a good mentality and things to improve but he’s an extraordinary holding midfielder.”

What makes Rodri a great holding midfielder?

Guardiola also highlighted Rodri’s versatility and multifaceted contributions to the team.

“He’s a top-class player,” the Catalan tactician added.

“Not just that, defensively, offensively, the composure, he reads the spaces, knows exactly when the men are free because he loves to arrive in the final third and dribble and shoot.”

Rodri’s impressive statistics this season further bolster Guardiola’s commendation. He has three goals and two assists in just eight appearances across all competitions.

His exploits have helped City get off to a winning start in the defense of their Champions League title. They sit second in Group G, tied on three points with leaders RB Leipzig.

The Citizens will now prepare for their next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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