Liverpool lost out on one of the best midfielders in the world three years ago, according to Steven Gerrard.
The Anfield icon is talking about Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who has only grown in stature in the years since choosing North London over Merseyside.
Liverpool tried to sign Rice back in 2023, before he made the £105 million move to the Emirates.
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Gerrard laments missing out on the Englishman, who he thinks is one of the elite midfielders in world football.
Steven Gerrard on Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Declan Rice
Last summer, there was a striker frenzy engulfing the Premier League. Three years ago, a similar situation unfolded with midfielders.
It was the window during which Liverpool missed out on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea, Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, and of course, Rice to Arsenal.
Gerrard is particularly sour about the latter, as he outlined on TNT Sports following the latest round of Champions League action.
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He explained: “He’s going from strength to strength. I think he’s one of the best in the world. I think he has become one of the best in the world.
Declan Rice runs with the ball as Curtis Jones chases him during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
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“It was a fantastic move for him. I wish we [Liverpool] signed him here, actually. 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.”
Liverpool got their midfield sorted in the end. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all joined and formed a title-winning midfield.
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The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed on a plinth before the final.
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That being said, there’s surely not a Liverpool fan out there who wouldn’t want Rice at the head of the midfield unit. It has become clear this season that a more physical profile is needed for balance in that department.
Rice won’t be leaving Arsenal any time soon, but someone cut from that same cloth could be exactly what Arne Slot needs to return to dominating the Premier League.
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