Jamie Carragher has insisted Declan Rice is the best midfielder in the Premier League following Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

Rice played a hugely important role in his side's first league victory away to the Merseyside outfit in over 14 years. He assisted Kai Havertz for the winner in the 16th minute, firing a superb low-driven cross across the face of goal and finding the German attacker at the back post.

Arsenal put in a resilient performance and kept Liverpool at bay. Andoni Iraola's men didn't register a single shot on target throughout and while David Raya and his defence were impressive, Rice stole the show in the middle of the park.

Jamie Carragher hails Declan Rice as an Arsenal great

Rice has become arguably the most influential player in Mikel Arteta's squad, thriving in midfield and putting in world-class performances. He starred in last season's Premier League title win and has been at his best at the start of this campaign.

Carragher was blown away by Rice's display today and he made three confident claims over the England international. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender said:

"He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate. Declan Rice is the best midfield player in this country. I’m not an Arsenal fan, but sometimes I hear people speak about him.  And I’m sort of flabbergasted that they don’t understand football and they’re not watching the same game as me."

Carragher also mentioned Moises Caicedo, suggesting he's Rice's closest rival but reaffirmed that the Gunners star is the top-flight's best midfielder. He added:

"He’s a world-class midfield player. There’s absolutely no doubt about it. One of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had. They’ve had some obviously great ones. He’s right up there with the best of them."

Describing Rice as one of the best midfield players in the club's history is a massive statement. He's put him on par with legends of the North London outfit including Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Petit.

Declan Rice is Arsenal's captain without the armband

Arteta is happy with Martin Odegaard as his captain after handing the Norwegian playmaker the armband in the summer of 2022. He's often described as a quiet leader who automatically motivates his teammates.

That said, if Rice were at the Emirates when Granit Xhaka left, he almost certainly would have taken the captaincy. He inspires those around him not just with his excellent consistency but his passion for the game.

Rice spoke well after the win over Liverpool, highlighting how difficult it is to play at Anfield and acknowledging the talent in Iraola's squad. But he also pointed out his team's "togetherness" and he's right at the heart of that.