Pep Guardiola makes choice when naming world's best midfielder 'by far' that may surprise fans

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named who he believes is the best midfielder in the world 'by far' - and it might surprise some fans.

City drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Saturday, dropping what potentially could be crucial points in the Premier League title race against Liverpool and Arsenal.

But Guardiola's side were 1-0 down for the majority of the second half, with Rodri's deflected effort rescuing a point late on.

City are currently four points behind leaders Liverpool, although do have a game in hand on them and second-placed Arsenal, who are two points back.

They had won six consecutive games prior to the Chelsea clash, with the returning Kevin De Bruyne playing a significant hand in a number of those wins.

In the 3-1 win over Brentford, meanwhile, Phil Foden scored the second hat-trick of his career as City again came from behind.

Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has also had another impressive season in midfield.

But when asked about who the best midfielder in the world is, Guardiola named neither of that trio.

He began: "I would say if the holding midfielder doesn't get the same appreciation as the strikers or the number 10 then that is good.

"When the holding midfielder has a lot of appreciation, it is not good.

"The holding midfielder has to play positive, for him and the team, and make the team play. This is the role for the holding midfielder.

"But Rodri always has the ability in important moments to score goals, so he's an unbelievable player. He's the best midfield player in the world currently by far, because he is able to do everything.

"What a signing. It's difficult to understand how we could have done what we have done in recent years without him."

While some City fans may be surprised that Guardiola didn't opt for De Bruyne, many believe that he is, in fact, correct about Rodri being the best midfielder on the planet.

Remarkably, City haven't lost any of the last 55 games the Spanish defensive midfielder has played in - a streak that dates back over a year.

And his growing abilities in attack, as well as his ability to easily control a game, means you would find it difficult to argue with Guardiola's pick.