John Barnes explains why he's concerned over Rice for Liverpool vs Arsenal clash

21 December 2023 , 00:43

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John Barnes explains why he's concerned over Rice for Liverpool vs Arsenal clash

Liverpool legend John Barnes has conceded this is the most fearful he has been towards Arsenal ahead of Saturday night's showdown at Anfield, because the Gnnners now boast Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta's side added Rice to their ranks after forking out a then-British record fee of £105million to pry him away from London rivals West Ham. He has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival at the Emirates and has already established himself as one of the most important players in the current Arsenal crop.

Rice has managed to even contribute with some vital goals, including stoppage time winners against Manchester United and Luton either side of a stunning strike away at Chelsea. With that in mind, Barnes has conceded he is concerned about how the Gunners could look to get the better of his beloved Liverpool on Saturday.

Speaking to The Anfield Wrap, Barnes claimed: “This is a game I’m really looking forward to. I’m not saying I’m worried about it, but this is probably the most worried I’ve been playing against Arsenal for the past three or four years because I think Declan Rice has really given them something extra from a strength point of view. I always felt we could overpower them, but now they’re a strong physical side."

Barnes' glowing review of Rice is justified, with the England international playing a starring role in Arsenal's efforts so far, which see them sit top of the Premier League after 17 games played.

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Arteta saw this coming, with his comments on how Rice can bring the best out of those around him back in the summer ringing more true four months into his Arsenal stay than ever before. "I see him like a lighthouse," the Gunners boss said of his star midfielder.

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Declan Rice has been Arsenal's player of the season so far (Getty Images)

"He is willing to put the light in others, improve others and make the team better. We discussed a while ago how he could evolve the team and compliment the players and take that winning hunger into a team with players who really want to push themselves to a different level.

"He has an aura. The experience he has in this league is going to bring the team to a different dimension. He has the physical qualities we were missing for a while."

Arsenal haven't won a league game at Anfield since September 2012, when Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski got on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. Declan Rice was 13 at the time, but 11 years on he'll be the Gunners most important asset as they aim to end their Merseyside misery.

Josh O'Brien