Former Arsenal and Manchester City full-back Bacary Sagna has weighed in on one of football’s most hotly debated topics — who is currently the Premier League best player.
While most fans would expect Erling Haaland’s name to top that list, Sagna believes another Manchester City star deserves the crown. For the Frenchman, it is none other than Spain’s midfield maestro, Rodri.
Rodri praised for his intelligence and consistency
The Premier League has never been short of world-class talent. From the relentless goalscoring exploits of Erling Haaland to the dazzling brilliance of Mohamed Salah, the competition continues to boast players capable of defining an era.
Yet, in Sagna’s view, Rodri stands above them all — not for flash or flair, but for his unrivalled intelligence and control.
Speaking to TBR Football, Sagna said: “It’s too difficult. Rodri, maybe. Okay, Rodri. If I have to pick one player, I would say Rodri. Why? Because [he] doesn’t need to add much.”
The former France international, who played over 200 times in the Premier League, went on to explain why the Spanish midfielder impresses him so deeply.
“He’s just respecting the game. Never loses position. Always on the right spot. He’s not fast, but he manages to outplay players using his body perfectly, he’s smart.”
Sagna’s remarks reflect what many within football already acknowledge: Rodri has become the heartbeat of Manchester City’s system under Pep Guardiola.
His awareness, composure, and tactical understanding have made him a model of modern midfield excellence — a player who dictates the tempo and provides a stable platform for City’s attacking stars to shine.
Rodri’s brilliance was formally recognised when he won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, an achievement that put him in an elite bracket. He became only the seventh player from England’s top division to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Within the Premier League era, only Michael Owen and Cristiano Ronaldo had managed the feat before him. For Sagna, that recognition only reinforces his argument.
A vital cog in Guardiola’s relentless machine
Rodri’s value to Manchester City was never more evident than during the club’s struggles last season.
The Spanish international spent much of the campaign sidelined with a severe ACL injury, a setback that derailed City’s rhythm and balance. Without their midfield anchor, Guardiola’s team lacked control and consistency, highlighting just how indispensable he had become.
This season, Rodri has returned to his commanding best, orchestrating play from deep and restoring the calm assurance that has long characterised City’s dominance.
His presence has coincided with a noticeable upturn in performance levels across the squad — a familiar pattern whenever he is on the pitch.
Since joining the club from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri has established himself as one of the world’s most complete midfielders. His record speaks volumes: 272 appearances, 26 goals, 32 assists, and 11 major trophies — including the historic treble in the 2022–23 season.
It was his winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan that sealed City’s first-ever European triumph, cementing his place in the club’s folklore.
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For Guardiola, Rodri embodies the essence of tactical perfection. He may not possess the raw pace of a winger or the clinical touch of Haaland, but his footballing intelligence often proves decisive.
By anticipating danger before it unfolds and maintaining positional discipline, he ensures City rarely lose control of matches.
While Haaland’s goals continue to capture headlines, it is Rodri’s quiet mastery that keeps the team functioning like a well-oiled machine. As a result, Sagna described him as the Premier League best player.
Sagna, having played under Guardiola during his time at Manchester City, understands the tactical demands placed on players in that system. His admiration for Rodri reflects an appreciation for subtleties that often go unnoticed amid the glamour of attacking football.
