Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted he would take Casemiro over Manchester City star Rodri due to his experience and trophy success.
Casemiro and Rodri have both received widespread praise this season, with the holding midfielders impressing for United and City respectively. However, the question of who has impressed more has divided former players, supporters and pundits.
United signed Brazilian ace Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer and the 31-year-old quickly asserted himself as one of Erik ten Hag's most important players. The former Los Blancos man has made 38 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, registering five goals and six assists.
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Asked which player he would pick, Ferdinand - speaking on BT Sport -said: "I would take Casemiro, because I think the impact he has had is huge. He’s more than a footballer, he’s a leader on that pitch.
"With the experience he’s got and what he’s won as well, it just elevates him above at this stage. But Rodri is a fantastic footballer."
Speaking about Rodri ahead of City's 4-1 win over Liverpool, he added: "When the ball turns over, he’s one of the first people there to slow that transition down or intercept, so other players can get back. He will dictate that.
"But also, third-most carries of any midfielder in Europe shows you he’s not just a one-trick pony, he does difference facets of the game remarkably well."
Rodri has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League since arriving at the Etihad in 2019. The 26-year-old midfielder has made 41 appearances this season, registering two goals and six assists.
Joleon Lescott, who won two Premier League titles at City, disagreed with Ferdinand. The former defender suggested Rodri was better at anticipating danger and preventing opposition opportunities.
He said: "I would [take Rodri over Casemiro]. Casemiro has been impactful for Man Utd, but from a centre-half’s point of view, and what I want them to do, I think he prevents a lot of opportunities for the opposition.
"He recognises the danger so early, so the attacks don’t even start. I would definitely put him ahead of Casemiro – it’s not just my biased Man City hat on!
"I think he’s the most adaptable in that role. I think Sean Dyche would sign Rodri. He’s a personality as well, he’s not on social media, I think that goes a long way – he’s low maintenance, but so impactful on the pitch."
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