Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was renowned for his all-round skill set, and Declan Rice revealed he has been an inspiration for his improved attacking returns at Arsenal
13:38, 22 Feb 2026
Declan Rice is looking to win the Premier League title this season
Declan Rice is looking to win the Premier League title this season(Image: Getty Images)
Declan Rice has revealed how he has looked to emulate former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder has developed his game in recent years from a more defensive role into a box-to-box player. That is underlined in his offensive numbers, with the former West Ham captain providing 10 goal contributions in 26 league matches this season.
In each of his first full campaigns at Arsenal, Rice has produced 17 and 19 goal contributions in all competitions, a significant upgrade from nine in both of his last two campaigns with the Hammers. That all-round contribution is in keeping with Gerrard’s well-honed game.
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The ex-Red operated as a No. 10, deep-lying creator and in box-to-box marauder during his distinguished career, and clearly has had an impact on Rice’s development.
"I watched a good podcast, Steven Gerrard with Rio Ferdinand the other week, and he was just talking about himself as a midfielder, what he was," Rice told Sky Sports.
"He didn’t put it down to one thing.
"He was a midfielder, he could do a bit of everything.
“But he was the best at doing everything and he’s someone I love to look up to and look forward to just because of how he was on the pitch, his demeanour, how he took the game by the scruff of the neck, the fight he showed, the passion.
Rice said Steven Gerrard has been an inspiration for him
Rice said Steven Gerrard has been an inspiration for him(Image: IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
“Over the years, I’ve tried to watch him as much as possible and I think I’ve started to grow into that much more, still a long way off before I hit his level.
“But, yeah, he’s someone I’ve really tried to emulate as I’ve moved into this box-to-box role and it’s really helped me.”
Rice began his career as a center-back and was often deployed as the deepest midfielder at both club and international level.
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However, Arsenal opted to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer to allow Rice more offensive freedom, and the Gunners are reaping the rewards of that decision.
The 27-year-old scored two decisive goals in the win over Bournemouth last month, and it was his cross that was turned home by Bukayo Saka in the midweek draw against Wolves.
Likewise, Gerrard began his career in defense and first came through as a right-back, before pushing into midfield.