That guy coming back from injury will make it difficult for us — everyone knows he’s the best in the Premier League in his position this season,” Athletic Bilbao’s coach Ernesto Valverde names one Premier League star.”
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has heaped praise on a Premier League star ahead of their upcoming clash, admitting that the player’s return from injury will pose a serious problem for his team.
“That guy coming back from injury will make it difficult for us — everyone knows he’s the best in the Premier League in his position this season,” Valverde said during his pre-match press conference.
While Valverde didn’t immediately reveal the player’s name, reports suggest he was referring to Arsenal’s William Saliba or Manchester City’s Rodri — both widely regarded as the top performers in their respective positions this campaign.
Valverde explained that the player’s influence on the pitch is undeniable, praising his ability to control games, shut down attacks, and lead from the back.
“You can feel his presence the moment he steps on the field. He brings calm, leadership, and incredible quality to his team. Facing him will be one of our biggest challenges,” the Spanish coach added.
The comment highlights the growing international recognition Premier League stars are receiving, not just for their attacking brilliance but also for their defensive and midfield dominance.
The player in question has been pivotal for his club this season, and his injury absence was deeply felt. Now fully recovered, his return is expected to strengthen his team as they aim for a strong finish to the campaign.
Valverde’s comments also serve as a reminder of how closely La Liga coaches follow the English league, acknowledging the talent and impact of Premier League players across Europe.
Fans will now be eagerly watching to see how this player performs in his comeback appearance — and whether he’ll indeed prove as difficult for Athletic Bilbao as Valverde predicts.
Based on Ernesto Valverde’s comments and the surrounding context, it’s highly likely that the Premier League star he was referring to is **Rodri** of Manchester City.
Rodri has been widely recognized as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League this season, and arguably in Europe. His ability to control tempo, break up opposition attacks, and maintain composure under pressure fits perfectly with Valverde’s description: someone who brings “calm, leadership, and incredible quality.” His injury absence earlier this season notably disrupted City’s form, and his return has been crucial in their title push.
While William Saliba has also had an outstanding season for Arsenal, the emphasis on game control and midfield dominance aligns more closely with Rodri’s profile.
Would you like a comparison of Rodri and Saliba’s stats this season to see how they stack up?
