Gary Neville thinks that if Liverpool had one specific Arsenal player in their lineup, they would be on track to win the Premier League championship this year.
After the Gunners defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates to make a significant statement in the Premier League championship chase, Neville was speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast.
Mikel Arteta’s team had a standout player in Declan Rice. As the two heavyweights engaged in a sort of chess match in the centre of the park, the 24-year-old was in charge.
Of course, during the past few months, Rice has been under intense scrutiny. He just joined Arsenal for a club-record price. He had to definitely take a significant step forward after that.
Liverpool would be a championship contender.
The midfielder has excelled thus far this season, though. The fact that no one is currently discussing the transfer amount that brought him to the club says it all.
Liverpool, on the other hand, has had a promising start to the season. The Reds appear to be restocking. And they are moving towards reclaiming the crown.
There are a few things that Jurgen Klopp’s team should be worried about. Gary Neville acknowledged that they may be championship challengers, but that they might simply be too vulnerable in the centre of the park.
He said on The Gary Neville Podcast, “They could, and they’re more likely to than Spurs, without a doubt.” “I believe Liverpool have something going for them. They faced up against a Brighton team that was very strong today. They have a fantastic goalkeeper in Liverpool, who I always believe will keep them in many football games. Additionally, they have several goal-scoring strikers at their disposal. They have a strong front line.
“The midfield is engaged in attack. Does it possess the same defensive stability as what we’ve seen here today, with Rodri returning and with Rice, Partey, and Jorginho present? Liverpool, do they possess that defensive steadiness? Declan Rice or Rodri in Liverpool’s holding midfield role would, in my opinion, make the team a strong contender for the championship.”
Reds still need to fix their midfield problems.
Liverpool’s holding midfield problems were not resolved during the summer. Since his transfer, Alexis Mac Allister has had challenges in the position. Wataru Endo, however, has failed to solidify himself as a fixture in Klopp’s lineup.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Neville thinks Rice might have a significant effect on this Liverpool team.
The Reds are going to have to deal with this issue. To actually compete with the best in the Premier League for the duration of the full season, Liverpool now appears a touch too weak in the middle of the pitch.