Dale welcome Walsall to Spotland on Tuesday night as the games continue to come thick and fast for Keith Hill’s side.
The Saddlers have also had an excellent start to the season, recording a win and draw in the league, as well as a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest in the first round of the Capital One Cup.
Speaking ahead of the midweek fixture, Hill was full of praise for Dale’s opponents.
“Listening to the summer talk from the Manager, the Chief Exec and the Chairman, I think they fancy themselves [to finish at the top end of the table] and quite rightly so.
“For me, they have been a marker for teams like Rochdale for how to be successful in League One. They’ve maintained that success by using continuity and developing players. I think they’re excellent at doing that.
“For me, they are the league’s silent success. They go about their business very silently but they’re very successful.
“They’re pleasing on the eye, they’ve got one or two star players, but it’s all about the team. The team structure is built by what I consider to be one of the best Manager’s in League One.”
The full interview is available to view on Dale Player.