Jamie Carragher has voiced his belief that Liverpool's failure to sign Declan Rice in the summer of 2023 was a significant transfer mistake, as the midfielder would have brought the physicality the Reds' midfield currently lacks. The Liverpool legend expressed his admiration for the Arsenal star, suggesting he is exactly the type of player the club needs.
Speaking to The Athletic, Carragher noted that Rice could have replaced both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who departed for the Saudi Pro League that summer. '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,' Carragher said.
Carragher compared Rice to Manchester United legend Roy Keane, praising his ability to press, win the ball back, and deliver set pieces. 'He is the modern-day Roy Keane. I don’t think he’s a Stevie Gerrard, because Stevie was more attacking. Roy did a bit of everything; press high, get the ball off the back four, everything,' Carragher added.
The former defender also expressed frustration that Liverpool did not pursue Rice when he was available from West Ham. Instead, the Reds signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, while missing out on Moises Caicedo. Carragher believes Rice's all-round game makes him a potential Player of the Year, especially if Arsenal win the Premier League title.
