Jamie Carragher names Declan Rice the Premier League’s best midfielder
The former Liverpool star was impressed by the England international's performances and compared him to some of Arsenal's greatest legends. What did he have to say about Rice's current level?
Declan Rice is enjoying one of the best spells of his career, and his performances for Arsenal continue to earn widespread recognition. Following the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Jamie Carragher, Premier League legend and former Reds defender, heaped praise on the England international, describing him as the best midfielder in the competition.
The former defender was emphatic in his assessment, insisting that no other player in his position currently comes close to matching the Arsenal star's level.
CARRAGHER HAS NO DOUBTS: DECLAN RICE IS THE BEST
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher praised Rice's quality and recalled how the debate over England's best midfielder also involved Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo.
“He is by far the best midfielder in the Premier League. There isn't even a debate. Last season, there was a discussion between him and Caicedo, but now it's not even close. Declan Rice is the best midfielder in this country,” he said.
The former Liverpool defender also responded to those who question the England international's quality, expressing his surprise at the criticism he receives.
“I'm not an Arsenal fan, but sometimes I hear people talk about him and I'm baffled that they either don't understand football or aren't watching the same game as me.”
Carragher went even further, comparing Rice to some of the greatest players in Arsenal's history.
“He is a world-class midfielder, there is absolutely no doubt about that. He is one of the best midfielders Arsenal have ever had. They've had some great players, like Patrick Vieira and Liam Brady. He's up there with the very best,” he concluded.
DECLAN RICE RESPONDS TO THE PRAISE WITH HUMILITY
The recognition came after an outstanding performance at Anfield. Rice was named Man of the Match and played a direct role in the only goal of the game, making an excellent run down the wing before setting up Kai Havertz, who scored in the 16th minute.
The midfielder also recorded 62 touches, the most of any Arsenal player, and played a crucial role in maintaining the team's defensive balance.
After the match, Rice praised the collective effort and defensive solidity of his team.
“This backline, the way we stick together and the camaraderie we have is something I've never seen before,” he said.
He also revealed that Mikel Arteta has challenged him to take his performances to an even higher level: “The manager had a really honest conversation with me at the start of the season, and he still believes I can give more to this club and this shirt.”
At 27, Rice continues to establish himself as one of the key pillars of Arteta's project. Carragher's praise further reinforces his status as a Premier League standout and places him in the conversation among Arsenal's all-time greats.
CARRAGHER'S KEY REASONS FOR PRAISING DECLAN RICE
- THE PREMIER LEAGUE'S BEST: Jamie Carragher considers Rice England's standout midfielder, ranking him above Moisés Caicedo.
- STAR PERFORMER AT ANFIELD: He was named Man of the Match and assisted Kai Havertz in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool.
- ARTETA EXPECTS MORE: Rice revealed that the Arsenal manager still believes he can take his performances to another level.
Declan Rice
Arsenal FC
