Speaking on a new episode of You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker on BBC Sounds, the Manchester City captain paid tribute to his City team-mate and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

“For him it’s absolutely fantastic,” said the English full-back. “I think he has been nothing less than perfect in recent seasons. You can see what he means for Man City.

“I think this season we have adapted very well without him, but in the last two seasons, when he was not there, we have not been the same Man City. The goals he scored, the assists he provided, he is not really a midfielder defensive.

“‘Gundo’ (Ilkay Gundogan) said something in a post that someone sent me and for a defensive player to receive that award, for us defensive-minded players it means a little more.

“If you look at the last 10 or 15 years, you have Messi and Ronaldo without a doubt, then Luka (Modric) and then Benzema. It is a recognition of the work he is doing without appearing in the headlines.” “.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds