Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has left Liverpool fans fuming after he explained why he believes Declan Rice is better than Fabinho.
Rice has starred for West Ham this season during their surprising challenge for a top four spot and their run to the Europa League quarter-finals. He has become a regular starter under David Moyes, even captaining the Hammers on occasion.
The midfielder has also starred on international level and is now a key part of Gareth Southgate's England squad. His performances for the Hammers are the Three Lions have seen him branded one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
That can be no surprise given his displays this season, in which he has made 40 appearances in all competitions for his club. With Rice performing a such a high level, he has attracted attention from a range of clubs, though Moyes has slapped a £150million price tag on the England international.
Wilshere is certainly of the opinion that Rice deserves all the credit he is getting. The now Aarhaus star believes that Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, tweeting: "Tell me a better DMF than Declan Rice right now? Can't think of anyone can do what Dec can."
But that enraged Liverpool fans, with one responding: "So you haven't seen Fabinho who has been doing it for a good couple of years now? Ok." Wilshere though stood by his comments and quote-tweeted that reply to say: "Doesn't have the presence Dec has. Dec can do everything he can and more."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who is better - Declan Rice or Fabinho? Comment below.
Wilshere spent two years playing alongside Rice between 2018 and 2020, before he departed the London Stadium. And his refusal to back down from his view that Rice is better than Fabinho enraged Reds fans even further.
"That’s really not true at all. Dec is class but Fabinho is the best in the world at what he does," one replied. Another added: "Had to double check that this tweet was sent in 2022 and not 2016."
"So Fabinho can tackle, pass long or short, assist, score, play multiply positions, dribble past players.. what the hell can rice do that Fabinho can’t," a third said. A fourth commented: "Okay Jack mate by any chance does it have anything to do with the fact he has a British passport and has a nickname you can call him."
"Jack don’t be silly Fabhino is 10x player rice is if he wasn’t ur mate it wouldn’t be a conversation," a fifth agreed. Another Liverpool fan concluded: "Fabinho is the best DM in world football, at LEAST top 3, and has been for the last 4-5 seasons."
Wilshere's stance follows on from his analysis in October, when he made it clear how highly he rates Rice. Back then, the former Gunner stated his belief that Rice was capable of playing in the world's best teams.
"The thing with Dec is he can cover the ground in midfield. So you think about the top teams in Europe with the front three that do what they want. So let’s say PSG – Neymar, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe," Wilshere told talkSPORT.
"They can do what they want up there and Dec will cover them from behind. So I could imagine him in a team like that. It’s a big shout, I know, but I think he’s got the ability and the temperament to go that far."
