Man City’s Rodrigo: best midfielder in the world, say boffins

Rodrigo Hernández has been making exceptional strides in a spectacular 2023. The Manchester City midfielder has been crowned with numerous successes and triumphs in a record-breaking year. Now, the Football Observatory CIES has selected the best players in each position, and the Spanish international has been named the world’s best central midfielder for the calendar year of 2023.

Rodrigo surpassed Arsenal’s English player, Declan Rice, and Real Madrid’s French player, Eduardo Camavinga, in the final ratings. Throughout 2023, the CIES has been listing the best players in each position, resulting in a lineup that rivals any team. Several Manchester City players are among the best - they did win the treble - along with other great players and a few surprises. It’s very much dominated by the English top flight.

Man City dominate CIES team of 2023

For goalkeepers, Ederson (Manchester City) was named the best of the year, ahead of Ter Stegen (Barcelona) and Emiliano Dibu Martínez (Aston Villa). In the central defender category, City’s players have dominated according to CIES. Akanji and Rúben Dias have been named the top two central defenders of 2023. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) was a close third, trailing just behind the Portuguese defender.

In the fullback positions, Pep Guardiola has another of his men involved, but there’s notable mention of the Italian league. Theo Hernández has been named the best left-back of the year, closely followed by Joaquín Piquerez of Palmeiras, and Grimaldo. On the right side, Kyle Walker outperformed Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid) and Kieran Trippier (Newcastle).

In midfield, as already mentioned, Spain’s Rodrigo has been exceptional, and chosen as the best defensive midfielder. In the offensive midfield role, the standout performer of 2023 based on performance per minutes played has been Manchester United’s Portuguese player, Bruno Fernandes, ahead of Federico Valverde (who also takes his place in the XI) and Ilkay Gündogan.

Saka, Rashford and Haaland

In the attacking line, three Premier League players have been ranked as the best. Bukayo Saka has been crowned as the best right winger of 2023. The Arsenal player narrowly beat Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Phil Foden (Manchester City). On the left wing, United’s Marcus Rashford’s strong start to the year earned him the title of the best left winger, raising many an eyebrow. Jack Grealish and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) closely contested for this position.

In the forward line, there was no doubt in CIES’s ranking. Erling Braut Haaland was named the best striker. Joining him on the podium were Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) and Rodrygo (Real Madrid). In total, six Manchester City players are among the best of 2023.