Pundits disagree over Rodri and Casemiro ahead of Man City vs Liverpool

BT Sport pundits have been weighing in on the debate on the Casemiro vs Rodri debate.

The two midfielders have been stand-out players for the Manchester clubs this season, with Rodri continuing his form for City, while Casemiro has made a monumental impact during his first season at Old Trafford. In most metrics, Rodri has been the best in his position so far this season, and he will hope to have a big part to play in the title race between now and the end of the season.

United are not at that stage just yet, but Casemiro has already been there, winning Champions League titles, La Liga titles and much more during his impressive career.

Naturally, deciding which player is better is a purely subjective exercise, but that’s where pundits come in, and BT Sport tackled the topic ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

Former City star Joleon Lescott said when asked if Rodri is the best in his position: “Without doubt. That position is so key. We have seen the difference Casemiro has made at Manchester United. When you have a player of that ability who can read danger. The size of him as well, he is like a centre-half playing in midfield, but he can move and he has good mobility. That’s been the struggle for Liverpool this year, with Fabinho’s form.”

Asked if he would put Rodri ahead of Casemiro, Lescott responded: “Yeah, I would do. Casemiro has been impactful for Man Utd, but he (Rodri) prevents a lot of opportunities. The attacks don’t even start for the opposition, so for me, I would put him ahead of Casemiro. It’s not just my bias. He is the most adaptable in that role. Even Sean Dyche would sign Rodri. He is low maintenance, but he is high performance.”

Fellow pundit Peter Crouch wasn’t quite on board, saying: “As the only man in neither camp, I would take Casemiro. The impact he has had at Manchester United...Both top players. I just think Casemiro.”

Rio Ferdinand predictably went with Casemiro, but he is a big fan of Rodri’s, adding “I would take Casemiro because of the impact he has had. He is more than a footballer, he is a leader. He is someone who conducts. It’s the experience, what he has won, that elevates him, but Rodri is a fantastic player. His stats, and when you watch him live, he stacks up.”