Arsenal star labelled best in the world after the Gunners won for the first time at Anfield in 14 years on Sunday.
Arsenal huddle
Arsenal huddle
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Pundits frequently revisit debates about the best players in a particular position after high-profile matches. A strong individual display in a significant fixture can shift those conversations in one direction. Comparisons that once felt open can start to look more one-sided once fresh evidence is on the table.
Arsenal’s midfield was central to securing a hard-fought win at Anfield on Sunday. The performance of one player in particular drew praise from a former Premier League midfielder now working in the media. His assessment went beyond the single result and addressed a wider discussion that has run for more than a season.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer comes to the defence of Arsenal star after recent criticism
Jamie Carragher has claimed Declan Rice is the best midfielder in the Premier League, while also insisting the Arsenal star has settled the debate with Moises Caicedo. Last season, pundits as well as Arsenal and Chelsea supporters were split with regard to who was the best midfielder in the league.
Both Rice and Caicedo have established themselves among the leading players in their position since their £100million-plus transfers from West Ham and Brighton respectively in the summer of 2023. However, after Rice put in an impressive performance in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool on Sunday – providing the assist for Kai Havertz – Carragher is now of the opinion that the England international has cemented his standing as the very best in the division.
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“He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday post-show. “It was a debate last season about him and Caicedo, it’s not even close. Declan Rice is the best midfield player in this country.”
“He is a world class midfield player, there is absolutely no doubt about it and one of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had and they’ve had some great ones when you think of [Patrick] Vieira and Liam Brady going back further. He is right up there with the best of them.”
The comments came after Rice was named Player of the Match for his all-round display at Anfield. His assist for Havertz’s goal was part of a performance that also included important defensive contributions as Arsenal held on for the three points. Carragher’s view places the midfielder among the club’s historical greats in the role.
The debate between Rice and Caicedo has been a regular topic since both arrived in the Premier League for large fees. Carragher’s assessment suggests the latest evidence has moved the argument firmly in one direction. Arsenal supporters will take encouragement from the recognition of their player’s consistency at the highest level.
Rice’s influence continues to be a key factor in Arsenal’s results this season. The latest endorsement from Carragher adds to previous praise he has received from other former players and coaches. The midfielder will look to maintain those standards as the campaign progresses.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez