Jamie Carragher has pinpointed Declan Rice as the transformative midfield signing Liverpool desperately needed but failed to secure, revealing his major transfer regret as the Reds struggle to replicate last season's Premier League triumph.
Carragher's Analysis of Liverpool's Midfield Deficiency
The Liverpool legend has been assessing his former club's significant drop-off this season, with Arne Slot's side currently languishing in sixth place and a substantial fourteen points behind league leaders Arsenal. This represents a dramatic decline from their title-winning campaign during Slot's maiden year at Anfield.
Carragher believes the most crucial summer business for Liverpool involves signing the right type of central midfielder to address evident physical shortcomings. He specifically highlighted how Arsenal's Declan Rice, who joined the Gunners for £105 million two-and-a-half years ago, represents the perfect blueprint Liverpool have missed.
The Physicality Problem in Liverpool's Engine Room
"Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister are really good players, but it ends up with two or three players who do not have great physicality in there," Carragher told The Athletic during his detailed analysis.
"The one who stands out every time I watch him play is Declan Rice. What a player, honest to god. That's exactly what Liverpool need. For me, he is the modern-day Roy Keane."
Carragher elaborated on Rice's multifaceted abilities, distinguishing him from more attack-minded midfielders like Steven Gerrard while praising his complete skill set. "Roy did a bit of everything; press high, get the ball off the back four, everything. Declan has the set pieces, too. I actually don't think we still give him enough praise."
The Missed Opportunity of Summer 2023
The former defender went on to bemoan Liverpool's failure to pursue Rice during the summer of 2023, when the club was expected to revamp their midfield following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
"Why Liverpool didn't go for him," Carragher questioned. "My argument at the time was you buy one player [Rice] to replace two, because he could do both the Fabinho role and also the Henderson one, pressing high, as he shows for Arsenal. Oh god, I'd have loved to have got him in a Liverpool shirt."
Carragher's regret is compounded by Rice's exceptional performances this season, with the midfielder now considered a strong contender for Player of the Year honours, especially if Arsenal secure the Premier League title.
Context of Liverpool's Current Struggles
Liverpool's disappointing campaign has seen several poor results and lacklustre performances, leading to debates about Slot's position and scrutiny of the club's summer transfer business. Despite spending over £450 million on new signings, including £100 million-plus deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the midfield balance appears unresolved.
Carragher's comments highlight how Rice's particular combination of physical presence, defensive solidity, and technical ability represents exactly what Liverpool currently lack as they attempt to bridge the gap to Arsenal and Manchester City at the summit of English football.
The analysis serves as both a critique of Liverpool's recent transfer strategy and an appreciation of Rice's development into one of Europe's most complete midfielders since his record move to North London.
