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Pundit heaps praise on Arsenal’s Declan Rice

By on January 29, 2026

Declan Rice Bukayo Saka Arsenal

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

The Gunners initially displayed inconsistent performances at the start of this season before improving significantly and establishing a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table with a strong run of victories.

However, they have struggled in recent games, accumulating only two points from the last three league matches. Last weekend’s defeat against Manchester United was a huge blow, and this was their first defeat of this season at the Emirates Stadium.

Currently, the North London club’s lead at the top of the table has reduced to just four points, with Manchester City sitting second with 46 points from 23 matches.

The Saturday afternoon game against Leeds United has turned into a must-win for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Peacock have been in excellent form at Elland Road, losing only two out of 11 matches thus far this season.

Bukayo Saka, Rice, and Gabriel Magalhaes have been integral to Arsenal’s impressive performances this campaign.

Now, on The Athletic, Carragher has singled out Rice for special praise and has dubbed the Englishman the modern-day Roy Keane. The former Reds even says that Rice would be a great acquisition for his old club.

Pundit heaps praise on Rice

The 27-year-old possesses everything that is required to be an elite midfielder and performs at the highest level consistently. However, he doesn’t always get the praise that he deserves.

Carragher said:

“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. 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. Declan has the set pieces, too. 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. His set-piece delivery is as good as anything in European football.”

Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s captain, but the Emirates club have not won any major trophies under his leadership. As a result, a few Arsenal legends have advocated for Declan Rice to become the new captain ahead of this season, believing he has the personality to lead the club to major silverware.

In 22 Premier League appearances, the England international has made seven goal contributions so far this term.