Man City star Rodri discovers his main rival who could stop him winning Ballon d'Or

Arsenal great Emmanuel Petit believes only one player can stop Rodri winning a deserved Ballon d’Or.

Rodri is tipped to carry off the accolade as the world’s best player after he followed up Manchester City lifting a record-breaking fourth successive league title by helping Spain win Euro 2024. Petit, who was part of the Gunners’ double-winning side in 1998, claims the Spain midfielder would be a worthy winner of the Ballon d’Or.

The Frenchman feels Brazilian Vinicius Junior is the only man who can beat him after winning La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid. “I love Rodri,” Petit told topoffshoresportsbooks.com. “I think he’s such a fantastic midfielder, who has had an unbelievable year.

“In fact, if you look at the medals he’s won since he joined Manchester City, he could be the most decorated footballer in the world. “Would the Ballon d’Or be the individual reward to mark his achievements? It would, but he will have a bit of competition on his hands from Vinicius Junior. For me, those are the two players that are leading the charge. One of them will win it this year.”

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola loses key Man City dressing room figure on day 115 charges hearing begins

READ MORE: Champions League supercomputer predicts new winner - bad news for Liverpool and Arsenal

Petit tipped Erling Haaland as a future winner and says he can lift the coveted individual trophy it he keeps banging in the goals for City. Haaland is in scorching form for City and he has nine Premier League goals in just four Premier League games.

“Erling Haaland knows the only way he can win the Ballon d’Or is to keep scoring goals for his club because there’s no way he’s going to win anything with Norway,” he said. “If he wants to be the best player in the world, he must keep scoring goals.

“I’m looking at him this season and I can see a player who looks super hungry. That’s a scary thought for Manchester City’s rivals and every single defender in the Premier League. He had a summer off and that has definitely helped him. He looks fresh, focussed. Physically, he looks like he’s in peak condition.”

Petit picked out Rodri and Haaland’s City team-mate Savinho as the signing of the summer, along with Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana. “There are two players who’ve had brilliant starts for their new clubs this season and they are Amadou Onana at Aston Villa and Savinho at Manchester City,” he said.

“Onana had to step-up a level from Everton and he’s replacing Douglas Luiz, who was excellent for Aston Villa. Savinho has really stood out for me. It’s a shame that he’s injured at the moment, but I really like the way that he’s slotted into Manchester City’s team.

“He’s made a huge impression already. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do in his debut season and seeing him develop under Pep Guardiola. He reminds me of Ryiad Mahrez. Technically he’s like him, but also with his decision-making. He always makes the right decision and he’s very intelligent in terms of his movement. The way he controls the ball, every time he runs with it, it’s amazing.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.