Arsenal legend Vieira: Why Man City midfielder Rodri my favourite player today

Former Manchester City midfielder and coach Patrick Vieira admits he's a huge fan of Rodri.

Indeed, the Arsenal legend says the Spain midfielder is his favourite player today.

He is my favourite player," said the Strasbourg coach.

He is strong. He is clever. He is smart. He is a team player. He is all about the team he sacrifices himself for the team.

Technically I love watching him play. I always use him as a reference for the young players that I have in Strasbourg.

As a holding midfielder, he's doing everything right.

I like his humility. I like his work ethic. I like his simplicity.

For me he is the best holding midfielder in the world at the moment."

Vieira also told City's website: I remember once I was working for Sky Sports, it was City v Arsenal at the Etihad and Pep came out. I said to Pep 'what do you think of Rodri' and asked whether he is the first name on the teamsheet when he's giving the starting XI.

The game we have today, the highlights always go to the players who score the goals and who make the assists.

But the guys who make the tackles and who do the pass before the decisive pass? The manager knows how important this is and how important this position is.

So for me when you see the manager and the teammates talking about Rodri, this is what makes him happy I think.

When you have the respect of your manager and your teammates, this is more important than what the pundits or the people think."