Published: 12:35, 24 Dec 2023Updated: 12:35, 24 Dec 2023
Danny Murphy believes that Liverpool would win the Premier League title if they had Declan Rice in their team.
The England midfielder completed a move from West Ham to Arsenal for a fee worth in excess of £100million, with some sceptical over whether that would prove to be good value for money.
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He’s proved to be worth the eye-watering feeCredit: Getty
In the months that have followed, Rice has proven himself to be one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players as he sits alongside Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard in the Gunners’ midfield.
A 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday – a match Rice starred in – meant that Arsenal go into Christmas Day in first position in the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp’s side a point behind in second.
One man who knows the Reds better than most is Murphy, with the ex-midfielder believing that Rice is the only difference between the two clubs right now.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Murphy said: “If there’s any young holding midfielder out there who wants to learn how to improve every aspect of their game, watch this match and follow Declan Rice. He was sensational.
“This game showed me just how important Rice — and also William Saliba — are for Mikel Arteta. They are the two players he cannot do without if they are going to win the Premier League. With those two players in the side, they can get a result anywhere.
“It also made me realise how much Liverpool need a player like him. If Rice wore a Liverpool shirt, I think they win the title. He’s that good.
“He was phenomenal last night, in every aspect. His reading of the game, winning the ball, his positional play, keeping hold of the ball under pressure, playing through the lines. It was an all-round brilliant display.
“I was just surprised with how few plaudits he got during the game from Sky’s co-commentators Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher — probably because the former defenders were busy drooling over Saliba and Virgil van Dijk!
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Rice did appear to get the recognition from Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as the pair embraced after the gameCredit: Sky Sports
“Liverpool can still win the title but in the big games away from home, in Europe, a midfielder with the physical presence and game intelligence like Rice — or like Rodri for Man City — is so important both in the Premier League and Europe. The difference he has made to Arsenal is incredible.
“It will be the Gunners, though, who will be the happier of the two teams after what was a terrific game. Both sides proved they are the real deal, especially in defence.”
Liverpool are next in action against Burnley on Boxing Day, while Arsenal will face West Ham on December 28 – both matches are exclusively live on talkSPORT.
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