West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been told he could become ‘the new Steven Gerrard’ if he joins Liverpool.
Rice looks set to be one of the big movers in the summer market, as he gears up to take the next step in his career. Inevitably given their need for top-level midfield additions, Liverpool have been named as a potential destination for him.
And speaking to TalkSPORT yesterday, former Reds defender Neil Ruddock said a move to Anfield would be the best choice for Rice.
“There’s only one place for him to go and that’s Liverpool for me,” said Ruddock. “On a serious note I think Henderson’s coming to the end of his career. He’s a great player Henderson, won loads of trophies and I think Declan Rice would be the perfect fit.
“Anfield is the greatest place to play your football, so Declan if you’re listening, get yourself to Anfield. It’s a lovely place to live and the Scousers are wonderful people. So get yourself to Liverpool and become the new Steven Gerrard. Quite simple for me.”
Liverpool priced out of Rice race
Having seen their team’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham come to a premature end, some Liverpool fans may see Rice as the next best thing.
Certainly, the 24-year-old has the look of an elite box-to-box midfielder. Having learnt his trade playing regular Premier League and even European football at West Ham, he now needs to take the next step.
Given what Liverpool need in midfield, Rice would look almost perfect. Capable of playing as a sitting No.6, or as a more advance No.8, he’s got legs, lungs and quality on the ball.
But that all comes at a price. And having already declared Bellingham to be out of their reach, it’s hard to see how Liverpool don’t come to the same conclusion with Rice. It’s been suggested that Rice may even end up costing the same as the Borussia Dortmund man.
As per a report from ESPN last week, West Ham will ask for at least £100m at the very least for their captain. At that kind of fee, there’s simply no way that the Reds are involved.
There’s also always been a feeling that Rice would prefer to stay around London. This would obviously rule Liverpool out anyway. ‘Razor’ Ruddock is one of the few from the capital who have made a good go of life in Merseyside. Having clearly enjoyed himself it’s nice to see him passing on his advice to Rice. Whether he’ll be in a position to take it is another matter entirely.
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