'The best midfielder in Europe': Pep Guardiola raves about Rodri after latest Champions League masterclass

Pep Guardiola claimed Rodri was the best midfielder in Europe after leading Manchester City's 3-1 comeback win over Red Star Belgrade.

WHAT HAPPENED? The Spain international gave a dominant display in City's first Champions League game of the campaign and capped the performance with a wonderful strike, adding to his goal in last season's final against Inter Milan.

WHAT THEY SAID: «Right now he's the best [midfielder in Europe]. Hopefully he can be better and improve but he's an extraordinary holding midfielder,» Guardiola told a press conference. «We were lucky the club signed this player and when he arrived he wasn't this type of player. Now he's one of the captains. He's a top class player.»

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Rodri's goal made sure of the City victory and built on two goals in quick succession from Julian Alvarez, after the champions fell behind to a shock goal from Osman Bukari on the stroke of half-time. Guardiola said conceding the first goal was a good thing for his team as it ensured they stayed motivated. And he paid tribute to Alvarez, who has made a stunning start to the season. «Really good. All the actions were really good and so quick. The assist from Erling was really good. He is so young. What a signing the club have made,» Guardiola added. «He has everything — fighting and goals and assists. Incredible, lovely guy. Playing behind Erling he is an incredible threat. Really pleased for him, he deserves it.»

AND WHAT'S MORE: Guardiola also explained that he took off Bernardo Silva before half-time as he had picked up an injury which will now rule him out of Saturday's game at home to Nottingham Forest. City have a long list of injured players including Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic and