Rodri still the world’s best – Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed Rodri as the “best player in the world” as the Spaniard returns to action against Tottenham on Saturday.

The midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or, missed most of last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal in September. He returned briefly before suffering another setback that kept him out of pre-season and last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolves.

“He’s still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “I don’t have any doubts about his potential and quality. He just needs training, games, minutes, and everything will be fine.”

Rodri’s comeback is a huge boost to City’s title ambitions after they finished a distant third last season.

Guardiola also praised his new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who both scored on debut at Wolves, and young goalkeeper James Trafford, who made his first senior appearance. But the City boss is yet to decide who starts in goal against Spurs, with Ederson now fit again amid transfer links to Galatasaray.

“The new players bring new energy. James brings his youth and desire to play for the club he grew up in. We’re happy, but it’s just the first game. Against Spurs, we need to do better,” Guardiola said.

In another boost, Portuguese defender Ruben Dias signed a two-year contract extension on Friday, tying him to City until 2029.

“I am incredibly happy. City is where I want to be competing for trophies at the very top. I love Manchester, it is my home now, and I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else,” Dias said.