According to Simon Phillips, Liverpool have been studying Declan Rice as they look to add midfield reinforcements to their team next summer.
The Reds’ midfield needs a reshuffle, and, in turn, the Merseyside club are taking a serious look at one of England’s most promising midfielders.
Rice has been shining for West Ham for quite some time, and there’s reason to believe he’d be a great fit in this Liverpool team.
Not only is the West Ham ace a very talented and physically gifted footballer, his own manager has even compared him to Jordan Henderson in the past – a huge signifier that Rice would be a good fit for Liverpool.
Rice compared to Henderson
David Moyes compared Rice to the Liverpool captain when speaking to The Athletic earlier this year.
“I think Declan is a similar age now to what Jordan was then. And I think Declan at the moment is in a really good position. Jordan Henderson has been a great player and captain for Liverpool, having to take over from Steven Gerrard, and he has done a brilliant job. I think Declan has got a lot of the same traits,” Moyes said.
“And as a player, he’s quick, he’s good on the ball. There’s a lot of things he can still improve on. We want to improve his passing and his goalscoring.
“We’re trying to get all those elements picked up, but there’s a lot of players — good England players — who at 22, 23 aren’t even close to being at the level they want to be. I think Declan is (already) a good way down the line to becoming a really top player.”
Perfect replacement
Rice has been compared to Henderson, and now he could be his replacement at Anfield.
At the age of 32, it’s about time for Henderson’s role in Jurgen Klopp’s team to be reduced, and Rice is a great candidate to step into his boots.
Not only can he match Henderson’s energy and ability, he’s also got the leadership skills to boot.
The West Ham star could be a great addition to this Liverpool team.
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