Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted he is 'gutted' his old club failed to secure the signature of Arsenal's midfield powerhouse Declan Rice, a player he now describes as 'world class'.
Gerrard's 'World Class' Verdict on Rice
Speaking on the Smith Brothers podcast, the legendary midfielder, who knows a thing or two about elite-level performance, was effusive in his praise. 'I love Declan Rice,' Gerrard stated, revealing his long-standing admiration. He highlighted a pivotal moment of realisation during his time as Aston Villa manager, facing Rice's West Ham. 'I didn't realise how big he was... You get in the tunnel and think, 'oh my god, that's some profile for a midfielder'. If you're building a midfielder, he's got a body to die for.'
Gerrard, whose own career exemplified versatility in the engine room, praised Rice's complete skill set. He noted the England international's calmness in possession and described him as 'an animal out of it', combining power and relentless energy. His conclusion was stark for Liverpool fans: 'He's maybe one we should've tried to grab from West Ham. I don't know whether we did but imagine him in this midfield now.'
Why Mikel Arteta Values His Midfielder So Highly
Gerrard's assessment aligns perfectly with that of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has consistently lauded Rice's impact since his record transfer. Arteta has emphasised qualities beyond the physical, pointing to the player's mentality and leadership. Following a standout performance, Arteta said: 'Unbelievable, his all-round play, his leadership on the pitch, the amount of balls that he regained... he has been incredibly consistent this year again, and what a massive player for us he is.'
The Gunners' reliance on Rice is underscored by their subsequent signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, moves designed to provide cover for a player considered among the hardest to replace in the squad, alongside defensive rocks Gabriel and William Saliba.
Liverpool's Loss is Arsenal's Definitive Gain
The public lament from a figure of Gerrard's stature at Anfield underscores a significant sliding doors moment in the Premier League. While Gerrard enjoyed immense personal success at Liverpool, including a Champions League triumph, the Premier League title famously eluded him. His comments suggest he believes Rice possesses the quality to achieve that ultimate domestic honour in England, a feat that would cement the midfielder's legacy and compound Liverpool's regret.
As Arsenal continue to build a title-challenging squad, the acquisition of Declan Rice stands out as a masterstroke, a sentiment now echoed ruefully from the red half of Merseyside.
