Steven Gerrard says he ‘wishes’ Liverpool had signed Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side won the race to sign Rice in the summertime of 2023 with the midfielder joining from West Ham in a £105 million deal.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were about to embark on their final season under Jurgen Klopp, who left Anfield the next summer.
Rice has established himself as a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield and is on course for a successful campaign because the Gunners are still in all 4 competitions.
The England international scored an excellent goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen within the Champions League on Tuesday night, and former Liverpool captain Gerrard feels the 27-year-old has now cemented his place as one among the world’s elite midfielders.
‘He’s going from strength to strength,’ Gerrard told TNT Sports.
‘I believe he’s probably the greatest on the earth. I believe he has turn out to be probably the greatest on the earth.
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‘It was a incredible move for him. I wish we [Liverpool] signed him here, actually.
‘West Ham did a terrific job under David Moyes, I believe David Moyes has really schooled him in find out 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 subsequent level now at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
‘Implausible coaching from him and he’s up there now within the shout to be one among the world’s best in that position and in that role.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman added: ‘I believe once you consider his role and also you go searching Europe, you might have Pedri who is gorgeous, Vitinha is great, but he way he [Rice] plays I’d actually say he’s the most effective because he’s a distinct sort of player to them.
‘But he’s so effective, last yr he was amazing and he’s stepped up again this yr.’
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