“He does everything” - Manchester City star explains why Rodri deserves Ballon d'Or despite being defensive midfielder

Manchester City star Rico Lewis has explained why he believes Rodri must win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The defensive midfielder is among the favorites for the prize after winning Euro 2024 with Spain and the Premier League last season.

He was also given the Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024 after contributing with a goal in six matches. Speaking about Rodri to reporters, Lewis said (via Manchester Evening News):

"Personally I think he should win it. For the past three or four years, he's been so good. He's been one of the best in the world for a while now. It's difficult for a holding midfielder to win it but he showed with the goals, the assists- he does everything. There's no reason why he shouldn't win it."

He added:

"You watch his performances in training, he talks to you, he takes you away and tells you what he sees and nine times out of ten, he's right.

"When I move into midfield, he gives you like a protection- that makes you play even better because you are not worrying about what might happen. You've got someone who is always thinking two steps ahead. It makes it ten times easier. "

To date, the pair have played 35 matches together across competitions and are yet to register a joint goal contribution. Rodri made 34 league appearances in the 2023/24 season, bagging eight goals and nine assists.

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Ex-Real Madrid star believes Rodri's Spain teammate deserves Ballon d'Or

Former Real Madrid striker Joselu is of the opinion that his Spain teammate Dani Carvajal deserves this year's Ballon d'Or award over Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Los Blancos right-back won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid and held the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain.

Speaking to AS, Joselu said (via GOAL):

"I have always said it, he is the one who deserves it (Ballon d'Or) the most. He has won everything there is to win, scoring goals, being important, MVP in finals... he would be more than deserved."

Carvajal even scored for Spain in five outings at this year's European Championships. Crucially, the defender netted Real Madrid's first goal in their 2-0 Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund. Throughout the league season, he played 28 matches, bagging four goals and three assists.