Former Arsenal star snubs Declan Rice as he names world’s best midfielder | Football
The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender believes Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world, but is looking to Paris Saint-Germain for the number one in the position.
Rice’s reputation continues to grow as he consistently puts in good performances for the Gunners and England.
Wayne Rooney this week described Rice as “irreplaceable” for England and a future captain of the Three Lions.
It’s high praise and Gallas has been impressed by the 26-year-old, but the Frenchman believes the best midfielder on the planet is Vitinha at PSG.
“Maybe he is one of the best midfielders, but not the best because I think the best midfielder right now is Vitinha,” Gallas told OLBG about Rice.
“I think Declan Rice, what he did with West Ham in the past was really good. But now, you know, with Arsenal he’s gone to another level.
“You can see that in every game he plays, he takes that pressure on his shoulder and he looks like he’s the boss of that midfield line. And every ball he gets, he’ll do what he has to do perfectly.
“So he can score goals, defend, run and he is more consistent. That’s the most important thing. That’s why I think in the future he can be one of the best midfielders or maybe the best midfielder in the world.
Vitinha, 25, has been at PSG since 2022 and played a big part in their hat-trick last season, playing 59 times and scoring eight goals.
“Everyone seems to love him.”
Rooney was full of praise for Rice after Arsenal’s win over Everton at the weekend, telling The Wayne Rooney Show: “He was all over the pitch (against Everton). His decision-making – when to pass it, where to pass it, which foot to pass it to, his details of his pass – it was a joy to watch. He was absolutely incredible.
“He was splitting the centre-backs, taking the ball away from the (Arsenal) centre-backs, acting as a third centre-back, then the next minute he’s in the box, trying to score a goal. Sometimes some of the things he does are a bit underrated.
Do you prefer us to the others? So tell Google!
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it’s the latest political news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click here and check Metro.co.uk to ensure you see our articles first in Google Search.
“He’s the right person to succeed (Kane) for me, because (of) his dynamism, his personality. Everyone seems to love him, those who know him, those who are close to him. He is irreplaceable for England.
With Rice making things happen in the middle of the park, Arsenal are favorites to win the Premier League this season.
“They have to be careful.”
Gallas believes fans should be rightly concerned after three second-place finishes on the rotation, but he backs the Gunners to get the job done this time.
“For Arsenal, I think it’s always the same problem, always the same question,” he said. “If Arsenal can keep this place until the end of the season. I totally understand how the fans feel at the moment. I mean, they started really well, they were incredible.
“The team is very strong in all positions. When we see the players, they like to play together, but we know that the Premier League is very long, especially with all the other competitions they have to play.
“They play every three days. They have injured players, important players who are injured at the moment. So we will see what will happen around January, February, because we know that in these moments, Arsenal can sometimes lose points so we have to be careful.
“Even if you look at the teams behind them, like for example Manchester City, they look good but they don’t look that strong, offensively they are really strong but defensively they can concede a lot of goals.
“That’s why for me, Arsenal, I think they have a good opportunity to win the Premier League, but they have to be careful.”
MORE: Man Utd’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo sale after Bruno Fernandes injury
MORE: Jamie Carragher advises Liverpool to bring back £35m star after Alexander Isak injury
MORE: Aston Villa hero slams Wayne Rooney for comment on Premier League title race