John Barnes has named Declan Rice as his perfect candidate to play for Liverpool.(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Liverpool icon makes telling Arsenal transfer claim in clear Declan Rice message

25 Oct 2024, 14:00 by Stephen Killen · football.london

Liverpool icon John Barnes has named Declan Rice as the one Arsenal player he would add to Arne Slot's side.

The Gunners host the Premier League leaders on Sunday afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth last week. There was a response in midweek when they overcame Shakhtar Donetsk to continue their winning start in the Champions League - courtesy of a 1-0 victory.

Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start under Jurgen Klopp's successor with a defeat at home to Nottingham Forest being the only blemish in their season, so far, and the sides are set to collide this weekend.

The focus will be on both teams' defence and midfield with Arsenal set to be without William Saliba and Martin Odegaard through suspension and injury, respectively. Liverpool's engine room has seemingly dispelled concerns over their credentials, despite the failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi in the summer, after the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a regular starter.

However, Barnes has pinpointed Rice's quality and named him as one player who he would have in their midfield three. He told Lucky Block: "If I had to pick one player from Arsenal, and put them in this Liverpool team, it would be Declan Rice, and I would play him in a No.6 role like [Manchester City's] Rodri.

"Rice wouldn't be allowed to go forward and score goals. Ryan Gravenberch has done a great job there.

"I don't think the No.6 is his natural position, and he's done fantastically well in the games that he's done it.

"At the highest level if you need a No.6, Gravenberch is not going to be a defensive midfield player who can win the ball and protect the back four when you're playing against teams who are going to dominate possession."

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