Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has openly expressed his frustration and disappointment over his old club's failure to secure the signature of Declan Rice when the opportunity arose. Carragher, now a prominent pundit, believes that the England international could have been the transformative figure Liverpool desperately needed in their midfield, especially given their current struggles in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool's Midfield Conundrum and Title Defence Woes
Despite an enormous summer spending spree of £446 million last year, Liverpool find themselves in a precarious position this season, trailing league leaders Arsenal by a significant 14-point margin. Their title defence appears to be effectively over, with Carragher pinpointing midfield deficiencies as a key factor in their underwhelming campaign. He argues that while players like Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister possess quality, they lack the physical presence and all-round capabilities that Rice brings to the table for Arsenal.
Declan Rice: The Modern-Day Roy Keane
Carragher heaped lavish praise on Rice, comparing him to Manchester United legend Roy Keane for his versatility and impact. 'The one who stands out every time I watch him play is Declan Rice. What a player, honest to god. That’s exactly what Liverpool need. For me, he is the modern-day Roy Keane,' Carragher stated in an interview with The Athletic. He emphasised Rice's comprehensive skill set, including his defensive solidity, pressing ability, and exceptional set-piece delivery, which he rates among the best in European football.
Since his £100 million move from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023, Rice has been an integral figure, amassing 135 appearances and 20 goals for the Gunners. Carragher contends that Rice remains underappreciated, despite his pivotal role in Arsenal's title charge. 'I actually don’t think we still give him enough praise. It always feels like there’s a but with him. His passing is fantastic. No one can run past him,' he remarked, highlighting the midfielder's consistent excellence.
A Missed Opportunity for Liverpool
Carragher recalled the summer of 2023, when Rice was available, as a critical juncture for Liverpool. The club was in the process of offloading experienced midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, and Carragher believes Rice could have seamlessly filled both roles. 'My argument at the time was you buy one player to replace two, because he could do both the Fabinho role and also the Henderson one, pressing high, as he shows for Arsenal. Oh god, I’d have loved to have got him in a Liverpool shirt,' he lamented.
Instead, Liverpool opted for multiple signings, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo to overhaul their midfield. While these players have shown flashes of promise, Carragher feels none match the complete package that Rice offers. He even tipped Rice as the potential Player of the Season, especially if Arsenal clinch the Premier League title, which would cement his status and earn him broader recognition.
Rice's Development Under Mikel Arteta
On his part, Declan Rice has credited Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his continued development and fine form. 'The good thing is with the manager, he knows when to put the knife in me, just to give me a nudge, he knows how to get the best out of me,' Rice explained earlier this month. He added that he thrives on Arteta's guidance and the fast-paced nature of the season, which has allowed him to maintain consistent performances.
As the Premier League season progresses, Carragher's comments underscore a significant 'what if' scenario for Liverpool, while Arsenal reap the benefits of their astute investment in a player now regarded as one of the league's standout performers.
