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Kieran Trippier believes Arsenal target Declan Rice is ahead of Thomas Partey and Manchester United’s Casemiro in the defensive midfield position.
THE LOWDOWN: SUMMER TARGET
Having missed out on primary midfield targets in the past windows, Arsenal have reportedly identified Rice as the club’s summer target in order to strengthen that part of the team.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge admirer of the Englishman and reports have been flying in the media that Rice also wants to move to North London in order to play under the Spaniard.
THE LATEST: RATED ABOVE OTHERS
Kieran Trippier has claimed that Declan Rice is a better player than Thomas Partey and Casemiro.
When asked by Rio Ferdinand to pick between Rice and Partey during an appearance on the Vibe with Five podcast, the Newcastle defender replied without hesitation: ‘Declan. Declan’s unbelievable.
“I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is. Unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.”
Trippier was then quizzed on whether he’d take Rice over Casemiro. Once more, his answer was emphatic, as he simply said: “Yeah”.
“As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does,’ Trippier said, addressing Ferdinand.”
“So it makes your job easier when they’re just mopping everything up. Don’t get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions Leagues, he’s a world-class player, but if you’re talking right now, Decs is incredible.”
Rice is expected to leave the Hammers at the end of the season to pursue his dream of playing Champions League football.
THE VERDICT: SIMPLY AN OPINION
Rice is definitely a solid player and has been consistent in the Premier League. However, the reality is that he can’t be compared with those players who have played consistently at the highest level of club football – the Champions League.
That sort of experience doesn’t come cheap and it clearly gives them an edge over the Englishman. However, he has shown immense development and could be one of the best of his generation if he can move to Arsenal this summer.
