‘Best in the world’ Rodri fit to play against Spurs, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes Rodri is still the “best player in the world”, while confirming the midfielder will play against Tottenham on Saturday.

Rodri missed Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Wolves due to an injury he sustained at the Club World Cup.

The Spaniard played just three league games last season after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal, returning for the penultimate match of the campaign.

Prior to their 4-0 win over Wolves, Man City had won just 61.7% of their matches without Rodri, compared to 73.2% with him in the side.

They also scored more goals (2.5) per game and conceded fewer (0.8) with Rodri, compared to 2.2 goals and 1.0 conceded per game when the 29-year-old was absent.

Guardiola insisted he is not worried about a drop in performance levels from Rodri, but wants to see him play more regularly going forward.

“Rodri and Phil [Foden] were not available for the last game, they were out but it was just because of a lack of training, they are ready for tomorrow,” said Guardiola.

Pep I just want consistent Rodri. That’s all. I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality. He’s still the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months. I have no doubts. Consistency in training, games, and after everything will be fine. pic.twitter.com/Fmjdyywf3T

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 22, 2025

“I just want consistency with Rodri. I don’t have any doubts about his potential or his ability. Still, so far, he is the best player in the world.

“The consistency will come with training and games, training and games, week after week and after that everything will be fine.”