Steven Gerrard says Declan Rice is now ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ (TNT Sports)
Steven Gerrard says he ‘wishes’ Liverpool had signed Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side won the race to sign Rice in the summer of 2023 with the midfielder joining from West Ham in a £105 million deal.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were about to embark on their final season under Jurgen Klopp, who left Anfield the following summer.
Rice has established himself as a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield and is on track for a successful campaign as the Gunners are still in all four competitions.
The England international scored a superb goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and former Liverpool captain Gerrard feels the 27-year-old has now cemented his place as one of the world’s elite midfielders.
‘He’s going from strength to strength,’ Gerrard told TNT Sports.
‘I think he’s one of the best in the world. I think he has become one of the best in the world.
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‘It was a fantastic move for him. I wish we [Liverpool] signed him here, actually.
Declan Rice is on course for a successful season with Arsenal (Getty)
‘West Ham did a great job under David Moyes, I think David Moyes has really schooled him in how to play the position tactically.
‘His confidence from playing well for England and being around that group of players, he’s just gone to the next level now at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
‘Fantastic coaching from him and he’s up there now in the shout to be one of the world’s best in that position and in that role.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman added: ‘I think when you think of his role and you look around Europe, you have Pedri who is beautiful, Vitinha is great, but he way he [Rice] plays I’d certainly say he’s the best because he’s a different type of player to them.
‘But he’s so effective, last year he was amazing and he’s stepped up again this year.’
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