Rio Ferdinand has insisted that he would rather have Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in his team over Manchester City star Rodri.

Casemiro was one of the players Man Utd signed during last summer’s transfer window.

He was recruited from Real Madrid for around £60m after they failed to sign FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

The Brazil international has proven to be an inspired signing as he has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.

Rodri meanwhile has been in fine form for Man City and he is now rightly considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

He was outed as a sore loser during the international break but he is one of Man City’s most important players.

Before Man City’s game against Liverpool at lunchtime on Saturday, Joleon Lescott suggested that he would “definitely put Rodri over Casemiro”.

“Casemiro has impacted United, but from a centre-half point of view he (Rodri) prevents a lot of opportunities,” Lescott said on BT Sport. “I would definitely put him over Casemiro.

“It’s not just my City bias, he is the most adaptable. I think even Sean Dyche would sign Rodri. No social media, low maintenance.’

Man Utd legend Ferdinand disagreed: “I would take Casemiro because his impact has been huge. He is more than just a player, he is a leader.

“I’m not saying Rodri isn’t a leader, but what he has won as well elevates him above. Rodri is a fantastic footballer as well. When you watch him live, he stacks up.”

Peter Crouch then offered his “impartial” opinion and opted to go for Casemiro over Rodri.

“As the only impartial man in this camp, I take Casemiro because of his impact at United.”

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Speaking earlier this year, Red Devils boss Ten Hag claimed that he has not been surprised by Casemiro this season.

“Casemiro has not surprised me – absolutely not. I knew what a magnificent player he was. Just look at his profile, all the cups he’s won, that’s not a coincidence. Like Rapha Varane, he has won five Champions Leagues, that’s not a coincidence,” Ten Hag said.

“For me, it’s always the same, you have players who win, and who win always, and players who lose and are always losing.

“You have to do your research and find the type who will win and who are cooperative and humble in the dressing room but when on the pitch they take responsibility.

“Casemiro is such a leader and so important for us. Not only with his performances and skills, like scoring goals with his headers, or linking up, or intercepting balls, but also his organisation, his mentality, the culture he projects. We are so happy that we signed him.”

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The article Rio Ferdinand picks ‘huge’ Man Utd star over Man City sore loser – ‘it elevates him above’ appeared first on Football365.com.