Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, labelling the £105million star as being underappreciated by critics over his lack of goals and assists.

The former West Ham captain has been pivotal for Arsenal, aiding them in coming excruciatingly close to snatching the Premier League title last campaign off Manchester City.

Although the Gunners trail further behind this season, Rice delivered a player of the match performance in Arsenal's thrashing of Manchester City on Sunday.



Despite notching three goals and seven assists this term, after tallying seven and ten respectively the previous season, some continue to downplay Rice's contribution—views that Carragher is baffled by.

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His impact was felt notably against City, setting up two of Arsenal's five goals with team-mates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri benefiting from his vision.

After the match, Sky Sports pundit Carragher applauded Rice, bemoaning those who question his contribution, comparing his all-action yet unflashy style to the likes of Roy Keane.

"I almost feel sometimes that I'm one of Declan Rice's biggest supporters because I do often find myself scratching my head when I see people criticise him and asking for more goals and assists," said the ex-Liverpool star.

"They were two of the greatest midfield players in the world at that time and two of the greatest we've seen in the Premier League.

I don't remember anyone talking about how many goals or assists they got.

They chipped in with five or six a season and for me, Declan Rice is one of those type of all-round midfielders – a bit like Roy Keane.

"He said he's playing in the No.8 and a bit higher, but he's almost like a throwback midfield player that used to play in a 4-4-2 formation and could do a bit of everything.

"I think he's a wonderful player, his passing range is vastly underrated – you saw that with the pass for the fifth (goal).

Everything about him – his pressing early on – he's an absolutely wonderful midfield player."

Rice himself acknowledged the need for personal improvement after the match, telling Sky Sports: "To get two assists was big – I need to add goals and assist to my game if I'm going to keep playing in the No.8 position.

"I'm feeling way better than I did at the start of the season and we have to keep going to help this club achieve silverware which is why I'm here."

Arsenal's win keeps them in touching distance of Liverpool, who remain six points clear at the top after their own victory over Bournemouth.
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