Ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has controversially claimed Declan Rice can do 'everything and more' than Liverpool star Fabinho.
Taken aback by the performance of Rice during the Hammers' Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday evening, Wilshere was full of praise for a player he previously played alongside at the London Stadium between 2018 and 2020.
Rice's recent rise within the game has been well-documented, having help turn David Moyes' side into European contenders and featured for England at international level. Such is the impact the 23-year-old is having for both club and country, Wilshere is convinced his old team-mate is the best in the business as a defensive midfielder.
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"Tell me a better DMF [defensive midfielder] than Declan Rice right now? "Wilshere, who grew up as a West Ham fan, tweeted.
He added: "Can't think of anyone can do what Dec can. Busquets is the only one 3 or 4 years ago. And remember he played in a team that dominated possession in every game. Dec's job is harder in this team. He could play in any team in Europe. Fact. Lets (sic) hope its Arsenal."
It was not long before the 30-year-old was challenged on this opinion, with Fabinho the obvious choice put forward as the most complete individual in Rice's area of the pitch. Responding to one Twitter user who made a case for the Brazilian, Wilshere responded: "Doesn't have the presence Dec has. Dec can do everything he can and more."
Fabinho has been in fine form for Jurgen Klopp's side this season, developing a goalscoring streak which has only added to his threat when featuring in the starting-eleven. Since signing for the club in the summer of 2018 from AS Monaco, the 28-year-old has been one of Liverpool's most consistent performers and has been an inspired acquisition.
