Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League win at Anfield yesterday.
The Gunners have had a dreadful away record against Liverpool over the years, and they went into Sunday’s game at Anfield without a win in 13 attempts.
That wretched run eventually ended with Kai Havertz’s winner. Rice was a key catalyst behind the first-half goal, delivering a fantastic defence-splitting cross.
Speaking after the game, Carragher was undoubtedly impressed by Rice and said that he is the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long stretch.
The former Reds defender added that the 27-year-old is a ‘world-class’ midfielder.
He said on Sky Sports: “He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way.
“It’s not even a debate. Declan Rice is the best midfield player in this country. I’m not an Arsenal fan, but sometimes I hear people speak about him.
“And I’m sort of flabbergasted that they don’t understand football and they’re not watching the same game as me. He’s a world-class midfield player. There’s absolutely no doubt about it.”
Rice had a relatively good outing against Liverpool yesterday. He was not at his very best on Merseyside but made his mark with a vital assist for Havertz’s early goal.
The Englishman, who received an 8/10 rating from football.london, had 62 touches and completed 38 passes. He also won five duels alongside three recoveries, two clearances and two tackles.
Rice has now registered five assists in the league campaign. He is the first player to do so this season. It’s even more impressive as none have come from set pieces.
Havertz’s goal ended the Gunners’ 14-year wait for a victory at Anfield. The win sees Arsenal three points clear at the top of the league after nine matches into the league campaign.
Next up, the club have an away Champions League game at Slavia Prague on Wednesday night. We won’t be surprised if Rice is given a breather after a tireless Anfield display.
Arsenal have won their last two meetings against Slavia on the road with a 7-0 aggregate, and should be favourites to pick up another commanding win over the Czech outfit.
Martin Zubimendi was an unused substitute against Liverpool. The Spaniard could partner one of Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino or Myles Lewis-Skelly in the centre of the park in Prague.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com