Gerrard's Regret: Liverpool Legend Wishes Reds Had Landed Arsenal's Rice

Steven Gerrard has admitted he harbours regrets over Liverpool's failure to land Declan Rice, with the Arsenal midfielder having blossomed into world-class company since his £105m switch from West Ham in July 2023.

Rice's trajectory at the Emirates has been nothing short of impressive. The England international arrived off the back of helping the Hammers claim the Europa Conference League trophy, but his development under Mikel Arteta has taken him to another level entirely. With Arsenal currently nine points clear atop the Premier League table and mounting an audacious Quadruple charge, Rice has established himself as one of the finest midfielders on the planet.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard couldn't hide his admiration—or his sense of what might have been. "He's one of the best in the world now," the Liverpool legend reflected. "I wish we had signed him here, actually. It was a fantastic move for him."

Gerrard credited Rice's tactical education under David Moyes at West Ham as a foundation for his success, before highlighting how his confidence playing for England and his work with Arteta has propelled him to new heights. "His confidence from playing well for England and being around that group of players, he's just gone to the next level now at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta," Gerrard explained. "Fantastic coaching from him and he's up there now in the shout to be one of the world's best in that position."

Fellow former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman added his own assessment, suggesting Rice stands apart from his European counterparts. "When you think of his role and you look around Europe, you have Pedri who is beautiful, Vitinha is great, but the way he plays I'd certainly say he's the best because he's a different type of player to them," McManaman told TNT Sports. "But he's so effective, last year he was amazing and he's stepped up again this year."

Rice himself has been generous in his praise of teammates, specifically Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Speaking to CBS Sports, the midfielder emphasised how the Spanish shot-stopper's daily commitment translates to matchday excellence. "I wish people could come in and see every day how he trains because the intensity that he trains at and the level that he trains at, there's literally no reason why he's not doing what he's doing on the pitch," Rice said. "He's turned into a real leader for us and when you've got a 'keeper like that, I think it gives everyone confidence."