![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven-Gerrard-44bd.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646\")
\t<\/div>Steven Gerrard says he \u2018wishes\u2019 Liverpool had signed Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal.<\/p>\n
Mikel Arteta\u2019s side won the race to sign Rice in the summer of 2023 with the midfielder joining from West Ham in a \u00a3105 million deal.<\/p>\n
Liverpool, meanwhile, were about to embark on their final season under Jurgen Klopp, who left Anfield the following summer.<\/p>\n
Rice has established himself as a key figure in Arsenal\u2019s midfield and is on track for a successful campaign as the Gunners are still in all four competitions.<\/p>\n
The England international scored a superb goal in Arsenal\u2019s 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and former Liverpool captain Gerrard feels the 27-year-old has now cemented his place as one of the world\u2019s elite midfielders.<\/p>\n
\u2018He\u2019s going from strength to strength,\u2019 Gerrard told TNT Sports.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think he\u2019s one of the best in the world. I think he has become one of the best in the world.<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\tYour football fix\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
Metro<\/strong>‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.<\/p>\n Sign up here, it’s an open goal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2018It was a fantastic move for him. I wish we (Liverpool) signed him here, actually.<\/p>\n \u2018West Ham did a great job under David Moyes, I think David Moyes has really schooled him in how to play the position tactically.<\/p>\n \u2018His confidence from playing well for England and being around that group of players, he\u2019s just gone to the next level now at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.<\/p>\n \u2018Fantastic coaching from him and he\u2019s up there now in the shout to be one of the world\u2019s best in that position and in that role.\u2019<\/p>\n Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman added: \u2018I think when you think of his role and you look around Europe, you have Pedri who is beautiful, Vitinha is great, but he way he (Rice) plays I\u2019d certainly say he\u2019s the best because he\u2019s a different type of player to them.<\/p>\n \u2018But he\u2019s so effective, last year he was amazing and he\u2019s stepped up again this year.\u2019<\/p>\n For more stories like this,\u00a0check our sport page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on ![\"LONDON,](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_289888330-0a42.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646\")
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