Arsenal star Declan Rice has already made opinion clear as Rodri causes controversy

Declan Rice has been pitted into a rivalry with Rodri, but even the Arsenal man has admitted the Manchester City man is better.

Rice, 25, joined the Gunners last season in a deal believed to be worth around £105 million. However, he almost found himself playing alongside the Spaniard in the City midfield, as Pep Guardiola's side made a late bid for the former West Ham United man.

With Arsenal battling the Citizens for the Premier League title last year, Rice and Rodri were repeatedly mentioned together, as if they were having their own personal midfield battles. Considering they both battled for midfield supremacy in the Premier League and the Euro 2024 final, it's easy to see why they are both compared with each other.

However, even Rice admits the Spaniard, who controversially pipped Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to the Ballon d'Or, is a more well-rounded player. When asked about the comparison, Rice told the Athletic: "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.

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"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 world.”

Rodri was given a standing ovation by football's elite at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. After saying, "Tonight, football won" in what appeared to be a dig at Real Madrid and their players who refused to turn up, Rodri explained how he has improved.

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."

This season, fans will not see Rice and Rodri on the same field again, as the City and Spain midfield general will be injured for the entirety of the campaign. He underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament and his meniscus, after rupturing it during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

When asked about 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."