Gary Neville Snubs Rodri And Declan Rice as he Names Best Midfielder in PL

Gary Neville has shunned Rodri and Declan Rice when he named the current best midfielder in the Premier League.

Former Manchester United defender Neville scored seven goals across more than 600 appearances at Old Trafford in one of the biggest eras of success at the club.

Playing under Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership yielded eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions League crowns, the Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at United.

Since hanging up his football boots, Neville has embarked upon several business ventures and also become a pundit.

Rodri and Declan Rice. (Image: Getty)

In recent times, Rodri and Declan Rice have been lauded as among two of the best central midfielders in the Premier League.

Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Rodri has scored 26 goals in 271 appearances at the Etihad Stadium and won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Spain international - with whom he won Euro 2024 - also claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United for a club record £100m in 2023 and has netted 17 goals in 113 games for the Gunners, though is yet to pick up meaningful silverware at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo. (Image: Getty)

On Saturday at Stamford Bridge, Neville was on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports as Chelsea beat Liverpool.

The hosts went ahead thanks to an incredible strike from Moises Caicedo as they went in 1-0 at half-time.

Liverpool got back on level terms after the break thanks to a close range finish from Cody Gakpo, but Estevao Willian netted a 96th minute winner to claim all three points for the home side at the death.

Speaking after the game on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville hailed Caicedo - who moved to Chelsea from Brighton for more than £100m back in 2023 - as currently the Premier League's best midfielder, ahead of the likes of Rice and Rodri.

Neville said: "Moises Caicedo was the best player on the pitch by a mile.

"Forget the goal, which was absolutely incredible, his work around the pitch means he’s two in one.

"He’s everything and a brilliant midfielder player. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile and if Liverpool had him they would have won, he was that good.

"When he first came it wasn’t quite happening for him, was it? People were questioning him a bit but now he’s the best midfielder in the Premier League at this moment in time.

"You think of [Ryan] Gravenberch last season and Declan Rice, Rodri obviously, but right now I think we can say he’s the best midfielder in the Premier League."