Rodri changes his toughest-ever opponent from Lionel Messi to Premier League star
The Ballon d'Or winner has changed his mind about his toughest opponent and names a Premier League player as Lionel Messi's equal
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has been a huge success in the Premier League. He's regarded as irreplaceable for both club and country, a linchpin of major honours for both in the last year alone. When it comes to knowing what's what in football, Rodri's view carries some weight.
The Manchester City midfielder is expected to be out for the season with a knee injury and watching from the sidelines as the player he rates as his best-ever opponent in the Premier League hits top form in hopes of denying City a fifth consecutive title.
Rodri has spoken before about Leo Messi being his toughest opponent but the Spaniard has now delivered a big switch of opinion to rank a key Liverpool player as Messi's equal.
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As reported by the Mirror, Rodri told a reporter in Spain: "I'd say Leo (Messi), and in the Premier League, [Mo] Salah in his prime. Going to Anfield is like a knife, it’s really tough."
With City needing to chase down Liverpool's five-point lead at the top of the Premier League without his contribution, Rodri will be keeping a keen eye on Salah in the title race after admitting his title rival is the best player he's faced in England.
Salah has an excellent record against City but the Reds won their only title of the Premier League era five seasons ago. The Egyptian already has eight goals and six assists in the Premier League under Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot.
Salah scored the second goal in Liverpool's win against Aston Villa before the international break, stretching the Reds' lead over City, who've lost four matches in a row in all competitions for the first time since Pep Guardiola took over at the Etihad Stadium in 2016. Leaders Liverpool have lost only once in the league, conceding just six goals in their first 11 fixtures.
Rodri and Salah have come up against each other 13 times in all club competitions. Six have been draws, including a penalty shootout win for City in the Community Shield. Rodri has been on the winning side against Salah and Liverpool four times, Salah three times against Rodri and City. There aren't many Premier League players who can match that against Man City over more than 10 meetings.
Chris Nee