Former Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman believe Declan Rice should be considered one of the best footballers in the world. The midfielder is hoping to help Arsenal win the quadruple this season.
That could start by lifting the Carabao Cup this weekend. He has gone from strength to strength since joining the Gunners, with Gerrard admitting he wishes Rice was a Liverpool player.
TNT Sports expert Steven Gerrard admits he wishes Declan Rice was a Liverpool player.
The midfielder helped Arsenal reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League by scoring in their 2-0 second leg win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
That was his fifth goal of the season, to go with 11 assists across all competitions.
Such form is helping the Gunners challenge on multiple fronts, as they go in search of an unprecedented quadruple this season.
And Gerrard believes the England international is impressing every time he plays.
“He’s going from strength to strength,” the former Liverpool captain said on 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.
“I think it was a fantastic move for him. I wish we [Liverpool] signed him, actually.”
Rice joined Arsenal in 2023 for a club-record initial fee of £100m.
Mikel Arteta splashed the cash to sign the midfielder from West Ham, where he had just lifted the UEFA Conference League title.
A graduate of the Hammers’ academy, the midfielder made his debut for the club in May 2017.
When he left six years later, he had represented them on 245 occasions.
Gerrard says the 27-year-old should be grateful to his former boss for the player he is.
“West Ham did a great job under David Moyes,” he continued. “I think David Moyes has really schooled him in how to play the position tactically.
“His confidence with 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.”
Rice could lift his next piece of silverware this weekend, when Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Should he help the Gunners to victory, it will be just his second major honour at club level.
A UEFA Champions League, Premier League crown and FA Cup could follow come the end of the campaign though, and then there is the small matter of the World Cup in America.
The midfielder does not need medals around his neck to be considered one of the world’s best players though, according to TNT Sports’ Steve McManaman.
“I think when you think of his role and you look around Europe; you have a Pedri, who’s beautiful, Vitinha who’s great,” McManaman said.
“But the way he plays, I’d certainly say he’s the best, because he’s a different type of player to them.
“He’s so effective. Last year, he was amazing. He’s stepped up again this year.”
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