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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester City star Rodri doesn't deserve to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, despite being one of the favorites. The former English defender said that he would favor an 'attacking' player over the Spanish midfielder for the coveted title.
Rodri enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 campaign for City, bagging nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games across all competitions. He lifted the Premier League with Manchester City and also the European Championship with Spain.
Many fans and pundits have named Rodri as one of the top favorites to win the Ballon d'Or. Yet, Ferdinand seems to be fair from impressed, claiming that an attack-minded player should be awarded the title instead. The 46-year-old said (via Eurosport):
"I just think he needs to put a number ten on his back and he might win it. That is the only thing, he is arguably the most complete footballer on the planet.
"He is the most consistent, arguably. I would have him as that. If he wins it there will be no arguments, every area of his game is an eight or nine out of ten at the moment, and it has been like that for maybe three years."
He added:
"I think he is the most important player in the Manchester City team. When he doesn't play there is a bigger drop in quality than anywhere else on the pitch, even (Erling) Haaland."
"I come to be entertained, though. I love these players like Rodri, but I want to be getting out of my seat and screaming. Players like Vinicius and (Kylian) Mbappe and Haaland with the goals, these are the players that make me do it. I understand the importance [of players like Rodri] but I do want to be supremely entertained."
Up next, Rodri will be seen in action when Manchester City take on Arsenal in a high-stakes Premier League clash at the Etihad on September 22.
"No one can find him, he is different" - Pundit lavishes praise on Manchester City star Rodri
TNT Sport pundit Karen Carney heaped praise on Manchester City superstar Rodri. The former Lionesses international claimed that there is no player comparable to the 28-year-old Spanish enforcer.
After Rio Ferdinand's praise for Rodri, Carney chimed in, saying (via Eurosport):
"He dictates the play, breaks up the play, and the goals from outside the box last season showed his importance. He is the heart, and he is the rhythm, and last season when he was not available for Manchester City they massively dropped off."
"It is like you said Rio, he is complete, and I think everyone is trying to find the next Rodri. No one can find him, he is different," Carney concluded.
Rodri is one of the favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, alongside Real Madrid trio Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
