Jamie Carragher has declared Arsenal's Declan Rice the best midfielder in the Premier League, insisting the debate with Chelsea's Moises Caicedo is over. Speaking on Sky Sports' Super Sunday post-show, the former Liverpool defender praised Rice after his performance in Arsenal's win over Liverpool on Sunday, which included an assist for Kai Havertz.
Carragher's Verdict on Rice
"He's the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It's not even a debate," Carragher said. "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."
Carragher also hit out at critics of the England international, saying: "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 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."
Context of the Debate
Last season, pundits as well as Arsenal and Chelsea supporters were split over 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.
Souness's Criticism
Carragher's comments may have been aimed at Graeme Souness, who has been critical of Rice this season. Souness told Piers Morgan on Football Uncensored: "He's not a midfield player then is he? I think he may be a centre-half. The ball travels faster than you do. I see him run with the ball 30 yards and pass it square. Modern players are a bit precious. Criticism doesn't fall easily on these (players') shoulders. He isn't the complete midfield player."
Rice helped Arsenal end their Anfield hoodoo with the win on Sunday, further strengthening his case as the league's standout midfielder.
