Manchester City have a star-studded squad that has been strengthened this year and will hope to be back at the very top next season.
The Citizens have dominated the Premier League for most of the past eight years or so, winning all but two of the titles in that time.
Last season proved disappointing for Manchester City due to a multitude of reasons, but there is considerable optimism going into the 2025/26 campaign.
Now, Owen Hargreaves has spoken about one of City’s stars, rating him above Premier League icon N’Golo Kante.
Rodri in action for Manchester City v Wydad AC at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Owen Hargreaves picks Rodri ahead of N’Golo Kante and Claude Makelele
Hargreaves, who represented Man City in his playing days, was asked by TNT Sports who he’d start, bench and sell between three iconic defensive midfielders.
City star Rodri was one, Kante was the second, and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele rounded off the trio.
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Hargreaves picked Rodri as his starter option, saying: “I’d say, right now, I’d start Rodri, just because it’s not often a defensive midfielder wins the Ballon d’Or.
“The form he’s been in has just been crazy.”
Makelele got the nod on the bench as Hargreaves said: “On the bench I’d have Claude, just because of his experience and the teams he’s played for.”
“Kante was one of my favourite players, just like a walking engine. But because of the other two, I’m going to have to sell him – I’m really sorry N’Golo!”
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Owen Hargreaves plays start, bench, sell with Rodri, Kante and Makelele 👀
♬ original sound – TNT Sports Football
Pep Guardiola’s ‘very important’ plan for Rodri
Rodri’s long-term injury absence last season was one of the main reasons why City were far from their best and failed to win silverware.
However, Rodri is fit again and got 30 minutes under his belt in City’s 2-0 win over Wydad AC in the Club World Cup.
After the game, Pep Guardiola made his plans for Rodri clear going forward, with the midfielder expected to feature more as the tournament progresses.
“30 minutes, step-by-step. He wants more, but it’s the first step,” Guardiola told reporters about Rodri.
“What your head wants, your mind, that is top. But at the same time, often you need the process, and that is very, very important.”