Steven Gerrard Says Liverpool Should Have Tried for Declan Rice, Calls Arsenal Star an 'Animal'

Overview

• Speaking on the Smith Brothers podcast, Gerrard praised Rice’s physique and all‑round game, describing him as calm in possession and an animal out of it.
• Gerrard said he has long admired Rice and wished Liverpool had moved to sign him from West Ham before Arsenal won the race.
• Rice has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in consecutive seasons since joining Arsenal and is a key figure in their title push.
• Arsenal secured Rice in 2023 for a reported fee above £100 million, with reporting at the time not strongly linking Liverpool to the bidding.
• Gerrard also publicly backed Liverpool manager Arne Slot and said he would help the club in any capacity as the team sits fourth after a seven‑match unbeaten run.