Fit-again Rodri still ‘best in the world’ for Guardiola

AFP | London

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is fit to return against Tottenham on Saturday and remains for him “the best player in the world.”

The Spanish midfielder missed the majority of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September.

Rodri made his return towards the end of the campaign before a setback saw the 29-year-old miss parts of pre-season and last weekend’s 4-0 win at Wolves to begin City’s Premier League campaign.

“He’s still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference yesterday.

“I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality.

“Just consistency at training, weeks, training, games, minutes and after everything will be fine.”

Rodri’s comeback is a major boost to City’s chances of winning back the Premier League title after finishing a distant third last season.

There were encouraging signs for Guardiola in the convincing win at Molineux as new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki scored.

Goalkeeper James Trafford also started his first senior game for City in his second spell at the club.

But Guardiola said he is still to decide who will start in goal against Spurs with Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, now back and available.

“The new players bring a new energy, new everything. “I’ve changed four or five or six times (backroom) staff and it’s tough but always they bring a new energy and ideas.