In the aftermath of Arsenal’s commanding 6-0 victory over Sheffield United, Michael Owen drew comparisons between the club’s £240,000-a-week star, Declan Rice, and the legendary Steven Gerrard. Observing Arsenal’s resurgence post the mid-season winter break, Owen highlighted the transformative impact on the team.
During a conversation with Premier League Productions, Owen reflected on Steven Gerrard’s versatile roles at Liverpool, drawing parallels to Rice’s adaptability. Despite starting his career as a centre-back, Rice’s transition to a midfield powerhouse at West Ham United has elevated him to one of the league’s premier box-to-box midfielders.
Impressively, Rice’s prowess on the field has not gone unnoticed, with Jamie Carragher praising him as “very underrated.” Despite the hefty price tag associated with his transfer, Rice remains unfazed, seamlessly integrating into the title-chasing Arsenal squad.
Owen commended Rice’s multifaceted abilities, emphasizing his effectiveness as a central midfielder and his capacity to venture forward, showcased in the recent match against Sheffield United. Analyzing Rice’s goal, Owen praised the player’s technical skill, describing the controlled finish as exemplary.
Comparing Rice to his former teammate Steven Gerrard, Owen extolled both players’ versatility, highlighting their capacity to perform in various positions on the pitch. Gerrard’s ability to excel as a right-back, centre-forward, and central midfielder resonates with Rice’s capacity to contribute across different roles for Arsenal.
In Owen’s view, Rice’s intelligence, athleticism, and creative flair make him a standout player. Despite the significant financial investment, Owen asserts that Rice stands out as one of the signings of the season, underscoring his impact and value to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
