Steven Gerrard

Premier League icon Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, while also offering advice on how the England international can take his game to the next level. Speaking during a recent interview, the former Liverpool captain and England great expressed admiration for Rice’s all-round development and suggested the next step in his evolution is to become even more decisive in front of goal. “I think Declan has been fantastic,” Gerrard said. “I think he’s developed a lot, he’s adding goals to his game, he’s arriving more in the box. I think at the beginning of his career, people saw him just as a six. Fantastic passer, good ball-carrier. I think he’s added a lot more to his game now and he’s more of an all-round midfielder. I love watching him.” Rice has been a standout performer since making his high-profile move from West Ham to Arsenal last summer. In his debut season at the Emirates, the 26-year-old has not only shored up the midfield defensively but has also contributed with crucial goals and late runs into the box — an area that had once been seen as a limitation in his game. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Rice has blossomed into a true box-to-box force. His ability to break up opposition play, carry the ball with composure, and now deliver in attacking situations has been vital in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware both domestically and in Europe. Gerrard, himself once regarded as one of the finest all-round midfielders in world football, sees a similar trajectory in Rice — but believes the Arsenal man still has room to elevate his influence even further. “I love the way he’s gone on to the free-kicks,” Gerrard continued. “And I’d love to see him step forward and start taking penalties because as a midfielder, you want to be that type of guy.” It’s a challenge Rice may well embrace. With his increasing confidence in the final third and growing leadership role within the team, stepping up as a regular penalty taker could add another layer to his already dynamic skillset. Arsenal have often relied on their attacking players like Bukayo Saka or Martin Ødegaard for spot-kick duties, but Gerrard’s comments could spark discussion around Rice’s suitability for the role — particularly given his calmness under pressure. Gerrard’s words are not just praise, but a clear endorsement of Rice’s rising status among England’s elite midfielders. The Liverpool legend knows what it takes to dominate games from midfield — and it’s clear he sees that same potential in Arsenal’s number 41. As Rice continues to mature at Arsenal and on the international stage, the message from Gerrard is simple: keep pushing, keep scoring, and become the man for the big moments — just like the legends before him.

Steven Gerrard

Premier League Legend Reveals The One Thing Declan Rice Needs To Do