Walker reveals key reasons why Rodri is BETTER than Rice

Kyle Walker has revealed the reasons he believes Rodri is the best holding midfielder in the world and says Arsenal’s Declan Rice is not on the treble winner’s level.

Rodri has emerged as a key figure for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, scoring the goal that clinched the Champions League in the final against Inter Milan in Istanbul.

That crowned a glorious season for Rodri who is near unbeatable form for his club.

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The 27-year-old has not tasted defeat in a domestic match since February 2023, a 1-0 reverse against Tottenham, a run now spanning 58 games.

Should he avoid a loss in the game against Manchester United on Sunday he will break Ricardo Carvalho’s Chelsea record, set between 2006 and 2008.

The player signed from Atletico Madrid for £62.5 million in 2019 is irreplaceable for Guardiola and, after his sending off against Nottingham Forest earlier this season, City lost all three domestic matches without him in the lineup.

The Spain international has been in the conversation for the biggest individual prizes as a result of his City form and his status as one of the game’s greats is deserved according to team-mate Kyle Walker.

“For what he did last season, what we did as a club, and the specialist he is in his position, he should be mentioned,” Walker told The Sun.

“He doesn’t have social media. I don’t know . . . maybe it’s that!”

Declan Rice opted for Arsenal over Man City

Declan Rice was reportedly the subject of a rival bid from City before opting for Arsenal for £105 million in the summer of 2023.

And while the England international has helped establish the Gunners as title contenders, he still does not measure up to Rodri, according to Walker.

“I don’t think there is a better holding midfielder in the world right now than Rodri,” Walker said.

“Rice is playing really well and Mikel Arteta can teach him the philosophy and probably the Barcelona way that Rodri has grown up watching.

“Dec’s got more than enough capability of doing that but he’s not the finished article.

“The finished article or a step above the rest at the minute is Rodri.

“What’s key about him is his consistency, the level he always plays at and how he adapts and dedicates himself to the game.”