The Article Reports on a Sports Illustrated Ranking of the 20 Greatest

Why Rodri tops the list

The case for Rodri is clear enough. He appears to represent the complete No. 6 for the modern era:

• Defensive reading without reckless chasing
• Positional discipline in front of the back line
• Progressive passing that starts attacks
• Big-game authority in a title-winning side

That is the key shift. Earlier greats such as Keane and Vieira were defined by force of personality as much as function. Rodri still brings the defensive bite, but his game is built around rhythm, control and territory. The ranking appears to reward that broader influence.

Old-school giants still matter

Putting Keane at No. 2 and Vieira at No. 3 is hardly a snub. Both remain reference points for the role.

• Keane stands for leadership and intensity at Manchester United
• Vieira brought power and technique to Arsenal
• N’Golo Kanté, Yaya Touré and Claude Makélélé staying high reflects the role’s many versions

The interesting part is not who made the podium, but why. This was not just a list of tacklers. It was a list of midfielders who shaped winning teams.

South America’s imprint on the position

The ranking also underlines South America’s influence on the league. Fernandinho came in at No. 9, with Gilberto Silva at 13, Fabinho at 14, Javier Mascherano at 15 and Casemiro at 19.

That spread matters. These were not identical players:

• Fernandinho gave Manchester City edge and balance
• Gilberto Silva offered calm structure for Arsenal
• Fabinho anchored Liverpool’s intensity
• Casemiro and Mascherano brought a more combative profile

The next talking point may be whether Rodri can widen the gap at the top. Other reports suggest Barcelona have explored a move, but for now he remains the standard every Premier League holding midfielder will be measured against.