Thierry Henry highlights importance of midfielders in Ballon d’Or race: ‘People tend to overlook them!’

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has labeled Manchester City midfielder Rodri as his top choice to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024, hailing him as the linchpin of Pep Guardiola's formidable team.

The Ballon d’Or is given to the best player in world football every year and the 68th annual ceremony is set to take place in Paris on Monday, October 28.

A total of 30 players were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or including City’s Rodri and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Henry feels that Rodri, who is currently ruled out for the season with injury, is a worthy winner after helping Spain to glory at Euro 2024.

‘Rodri,’ Henry said on CBS Sports when asked to name his Ballon d’Or pick. ‘I [always] wanted Xavi and Andres Iniesta to win it when they were performing.

‘People forget about midfielders and what they do. They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City.

‘I know he didn’t win the Champions League [last season] but he won the Euros [with Spain].’

Henry came close to picking Vinicius Junior, but decided against it after his performances for Brazil at the Copa America.

‘Vini Jr didn’t perfom at the Copa America,’ Henry added. ‘But is he [still] a worthy winner? Yes.

‘He is outstanding, I keep on saying. For me, right now, as a forward, he is the best in the world. So he deserves it [too].’

Meanwhile, fellow football pundit Jamie Carragher decided to pick Vinicius Junior over Rodri.

‘I’d go for Vini Jr,’ Carragher said. ‘They won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing you can win in club football.

‘It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays. Very few players win it in that position, whether you are a holding midfield player or a defender.’