Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has never been one to shy away from strong opinions — and this time, he’s weighing in on England’s current midfield hierarchy. The former Reds captain believes Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham stand head and shoulders above the rest of the pack.
In a chat with Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard was full of admiration for both players, praising their blend of power, maturity, and football intelligence.
“I think Declan Rice is a really, really good midfielder. I like an awful lot about him,” Gerrard said. “He’s gone to the next level at Arsenal — adding different things to his game. He’d be a really tough, strong opponent — a proper challenge.”
Gerrard, known for his fierce battles in midfield during his prime, admitted he’d love the chance to face Bellingham in his playing days.
“Jude Bellingham — if he were in the Premier League, I’d love to go toe-to-toe with him. That would be interesting,” he added.
According to the former England skipper, the pair are setting the benchmark for English midfielders today.
“They’re the two best at the moment, from an English point of view,” Gerrard concluded.
Both stars have certainly earned that praise. Rice has become a dominant force at Arsenal since his big-money move from West Ham, dictating play and adding steel to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. Meanwhile, Bellingham’s meteoric rise at Real Madrid has been nothing short of sensational — scoring goals, creating chances, and carrying himself like a veteran despite his age.
Two midfielders, two different styles — but both embody the future of English football. And when Steven Gerrard gives you his seal of approval, you know you’re doing something special.
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