Declan Rice has already made Rodri opinion clear as Ballon d'Or win sparks row

Declan Rice has been compared to in debates over who is the ’s best central midfielder - but even the star believes the man is better.

, 25, has improved Arsenal’s midfield massively since his £105million move from in the summer of 2023. With the Gunners now regularly competing to snatch City’s Premier League crown, fans and pundits alike often mention the duel between Rice and Rodri when the two sides square off.

The dynamic duo almost became team-mates when ’s side , but Rice chose the north Londoners instead. Spaniard Rodri won the battle for the title last season and came out victorious when they faced each other again for their countries in the Euro 2024 final.

The debate was settled when Rodri was controversially named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner this week over Vinicius Junior, while Rice finished in a respectable 26th place. Yet the Arsenal man has always paid Rodri his dues, voicing his admiration for the Treble winner on a number of occasions.

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When asked about the comparison, Rice told : "We're different players I feel. With Rodri, he was born in Spain, he's always been a natural No 6. You can just tell by the way he plays that he's worked under Pep (Guardiola) for so long.

"He's a lot more structured than I am. I'd say I'm a lot more off-the-cuff. Obviously, this season I've been more structured. But in terms of the way I play, I feel like... being free a little bit more.

"There are different things that we complement each other on - but no doubt, he's the best in the ."

Rodri received a standing ovation from football's biggest names at Monday’s Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. After saying, "Tonight, football won" in what appeared to be a dig at and their players who refused to turn up after Vinicius' snub, Rodri explained how he has improved dramatically.

He said: "I was a traditional midfielder but I knew I needed to be better in the final third that's why I have improved there. That is the modern holding midfield role, you have to be like a striker because you play in the frontal area. I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best.

"I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don't have to be crazy. I would like to thank God."

In a blow to fans hoping to see another titanic midfield clash, Rice and Rodri will not share the field this season again after Rodri suffered a season-ending injury. He underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament and his meniscus, having ruptured it during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Commenting on his injury at the ceremony, Rodri added: “I am just trying to take care of myself after my injury, spend time with my family, rest a little bit. I will celebrate with the people who love me and those who were with me in the bad moments."

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