Following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool will be on the hunt for a midfielder who is solid in the centre of midfield but also pops up with the odd goal and Declan Rice appears to fit the bill perfectly, according to former Liverpool striker Paul Stewart.
Rice has attracted a lot of interest this season following his standout performances in a West Ham side who were revolutionised by David Moyes from relegation candidates into European qualifiers in 12 months.
Who should Rice join?
Man Utd!
Liverpool!
The England international has long been touted for a move away from the London Stadium with Manchester United a likely destination, but Liverpool are reportedly also eager to get Rice’s signature.
If Liverpool are to compete for the league title next season then they will need to replace Wijnaldum who was a well-trusted member of the squad by Jurgen Klopp and Rice seems like that perfect player with age on his side as well. That is according to Stewart, who spoke exclusively to This is Futbol:
“I think he’d be the perfect signing because he’s one player that I think has got everything you need to be a midfielder in the Premier League.
“He’s only going to get better. So for me, I think whoever gets him, he will be a massive addition to their squad because there aren’t too many players about like him.”
Liverpool already have a solid enough midfield but all it takes is another injury crisis like this season and they’re having to play Fabinho or Jordan Henderson as a centre back, whereas Rice is capable of slotting into the defence.
Rice’s performances have certainly not gone unnoticed this season as he is expected to start at the European Championships for England and has also been nominated for the young player of the year award in the Premier League.