Dimitar Berbatov has named Vitinha, Jude Bellingham and Rodri as the midfielders he rates above Declan Rice, even after the Arsenal star’s man-of-the-match display in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Liverpool.
Rice set up Kai Havertz for the only goal at Anfield and took home the individual award. However, Berbatov is of the opinion that he’s not at the same level as the three he believes are at the very top of their game.
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Speaking to Metro, Berbatov said:
“He is good, but for me Vitinha, Jude Bellingham and Rodri still these type of midfield players are for me one of the best at the moment.”
The former Manchester United and Tottenham star did not refuse to acknowledge Rice though. Berbatov hailed the England international for being integral to the Gunners and heaped praise on his leadership and energy he brings to every game.
“I think he is very important for the Arsenal team. There are other midfielders who are top.
“He brings a lot of energy to every game, you know what you get with Declan Rice and he is a real leader.”
Berbatov also suggested Rice could do with a bit of rest ahead of the busy festive season fixtures in the Premier League.
“For Arsenal he is very important and probably he should come off to rest a little bit because there are many games coming from now until December in this busy period.”
Arsenal beat Slavia Praha in Champions League action on Wednesday, with Rice playing the full 90 minutes. It remains to be seen whether Arteta decides to rest the midfielder in the game against Hull City on Saturday.
Notably, Rice missed only two Premier League games during last season’s title-winning campaign.
Carragher calls Rice the best midfielder in the Premier League after Arsenal win vs Liverpool
After the win at Anfield, Carragher claimed that Rice is the best midfielder in the Premier League. The Liverpool icon claimed that it is not even a debate, backing Rice as the best in his position by a mile.
He said on Sky Sports:
“He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate.”
Carragher went further, calling Rice “one of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had” and placing him in the company of Patrick Vieira and Liam Brady.
The Gunners’ win over Liverpool left them three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
Edited by Nived Zenith
