“That’s unacceptable” – Manchester City star hits out in passionate defence of teammate following Premier League snub | OneFootball

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has hit out with a passionate defence of teammate Rodri following his snub in the Premier League’s Player of the Season awards.

The Spaniard has played an integral role in Manchester City’s pursuit of a fourth successive English top-flight crown, as well as revolutionising the way Pep Guardiola and his side have played since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

Further emphasising the talents of the defensive midfielder, Rodri has gone on a personal run of 73 matches unbeaten in a Manchester City shirt across all competitions, in a streak of form that stretches back well over a single calendar year.

However, despite his faultless outings for Manchester City, there was no place for the 27-year-old in the Premier League’s nominations list for their Player of the Season award, which also featured two of his Etihad teammates.

Alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, the rest of the shortlist includes Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.

Speaking during an interview with ESPN Brasil this week, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has claimed that while those nominated are ‘good players’, the snubbing of Rodri is ‘unacceptable’ when talking about the best players in the Premier League this season.

“There are good players, but I see Rodri as a great candidate who isn’t on the list. I don’t understand why he’s not on the list either. Honestly, that’s unacceptable,” Ederson explained in a passionate defence of the Spaniard.

“If you look at his year, his campaign, the last few seasons he’s been playing and see that he’s not on the list, it’s absurd. I don’t know what criteria they use to nominate players, but there are also great players competing.”

Ederson continued, “But I see Rodri as a great candidate to win and unfortunately he’s not on the list. So I think I’ll be rooting for Phil (Foden) to win, because Phil is also having a great season, he’s helped us a lot.

“This season he’s scored more goals, provided more assists, been more consistent and more important to the team too.”

Rodri and his Manchester City teammates have the opportunity to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, with victory over West Ham United on the final day of the season.

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates and will be hoping for a significant favour from David Moyes’ side, whilst Manchester City will then turn attentions to an FA Cup final against Manchester United to close out their domestic calendar.