"I think he's a better footballer than Vinicius" - Manchester United icon Paul Scholes gets in furious debate over Rodri winning Ballon d'Or
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has defiantly defended Rodri beating Vinicius to the Ballon d'Or. The former Red Devils midfielder appeared on The Overlap's Fan Debate.
Scholes argued with podcaster Rory Jennings about Rodri's abilities and his Ballon d'Or win. Jennings suggested the Manchester City midfielder wasn't a 'beautiful fotoballer' and is inferior to the Real Madrid attacker.
The United great hit back at this:
"I think he is a better footballer than Vinicius Junior. Vinicius will probably win you more games but Rodri I think he's a beautiful footballer."
Scholes asked why Jennings doesn't think Rodri is a beautiful footballer while insisting he was. The debate comes after Monday's (October 28) Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris where the Spaniard was crowned the 2024 men's winner.
Rodri, 28, holding midfielder was recognized for his importance in Manchester City's Premier League title and Spain's Euro 2024 triumphs. He made 50 appearances across competitions for City last season, bagging nine goals and 14 assists.
Vinicius, 24, had been viewed as the favorite to win the award heading into Monday's Gala. When news broke that the Brazil international hadn't won, Madrid boycotted the event. He helped Los Blancos win La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana with 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claimed Rodri wasn't entertaining enough to beat Vinicius to Ballon d'Or
Rio Ferdinand's celebrations amid Vinicius scoring in last season's UEFA Champions League final have left him fooled. The former Manchester United captain predicted a Ballon d'Or win for the Brazilian amid his strike in a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
The United icon's prediction failed as Rodri won the award. He argued last month that Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland were more worthy (via TNT Sports):
"I come to be entertained, though. I love these players like Rodri, but I want to be getting out of my seat and screaming. Players like Vinicius and Mbappe and Haaland with the goals, these are the players that make me do it. I understand the importance [of players like Rodri] but I do want to be supremely entertained."
The football world is hot in debate over the Ballon d'Or result and Madrid's boycott. Some feel the La Liga giants disrespected Rodri by not attending the ceremony.
Their Brazilian winger was a joy to watch last season with his creativity, pace and direct approach. That said, Rodri also impressed with his command in midfield and ball-playing abilities.