Liverpool legend makes Arsenal star ‘wish’ admission after Champions League heroics

Steven Gerrard has admitted he wishes Liverpool had signed Declan Rice, describing the Arsenal midfielder as “one of the best in the world” following his match-winning performance against Bayer Leverkusen.

Rice scored the decisive goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday, helping the Gunners secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Galatasaray, the former Liverpool captain was full of praise for the England international who joined Arsenal for £100million in 2023.

“He’s going from strength to strength. I think he’s one of the best in the world,” Gerrard said. “It was a fantastic move for him. I wish we [Liverpool] signed him, actually.”

The 27-year-old has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title charge this season, playing all but one of the club’s 31 Premier League games as Mikel Arteta’s side sit nine points clear at the top of the table.

Gerrard was particularly impressed with how Rice has developed since his move from West Ham, crediting both international football and Arteta’s coaching for the midfielder’s continued improvement.

“His confidence with 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. Fantastic coaching from him and he’s up there now in the shout to be one of the world’s best in that position and in that role.”

The former West Ham captain has justified his hefty price tag with consistent performances in Arsenal’s midfield. Rice has contributed four goals and five assists in Premier League action this season, while adding another goal and two assists in the Champions League.

His seamless integration into Arteta’s system has been crucial to Arsenal’s success across multiple competitions. The north London side remain in contention for four trophies, with upcoming fixtures including the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City this weekend.

Arsenal will also face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals before returning to Premier League action against Bournemouth on April 11. Between those domestic commitments, the Gunners will travel to Sporting Lisbon for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Rice’s transformation from West Ham stalwart to Arsenal’s midfield metronome has clearly caught the attention of rivals, with Gerrard’s comments highlighting just how highly regarded the England international has become since his Emirates Stadium arrival.