Crystal Palace midfielder admits admiration for Premier League counterpart

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has stated his admiration for Premier League counterpart Rodri.

Wharton, 20, joined the Eagles in the January transfer window in an initial £18million deal from Championship side Blackburn. He made 16 Premier League appearances and picked up three assists as he sneaked into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

Wharton has picked Spain’s midfield general Rodri, 28, as the best player in his position. Rodri has won four Premier League titles and one Champions League at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Wharton, who is yet to feature in Germany, said: “You see how consistent he (Rodri) has been in the last few seasons and the way he plays. He rarely has a bad game.

“He’s got a bit of everything. He’s good on the ball, stops attacks and keeps teams penned in. When they clear it, he’s always there to clean it up.

“He isn’t dribbling past five players. You don’t need to do that in that position. He just keeps it, gives it and keeps the ball moving to move the opposition. That’s when the gaps come and you can give it to the great players at the top of the pitch.”