Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has acknowledged that Declan Rice is among the elite midfielders in football today. However, Gallas has named Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain as the best midfielder currently playing. His remarks highlight the growing reputation of Rice, who has consistently delivered impressive performances for both Arsenal and the England national team.
Rice’s impact at Arsenal has been significant since his transfer in 2023. His ability to dictate play has drawn admiration, including from former England captain Wayne Rooney. After Arsenal’s recent victory over Everton, Rooney described Rice as “irreplaceable” for England, suggesting he could be a future captain for the national side.
Gallas shared his thoughts during an interview with OLBG, stating, “Maybe he’s one of the best midfielders, but not the best because I think the best midfielder at the moment is Vitinha.” He acknowledged Rice’s contributions at West Ham and commended his elevated performance levels at Arsenal. “You can see that in every game he plays; he takes that pressure on his shoulder and looks like he’s the boss of that midfield line,” Gallas noted.
Vitinha has established himself as a key player for PSG since joining the club in 2022. He played an integral role in the team’s treble success last season, featuring in 59 matches and scoring eight goals. Gallas emphasized Vitinha’s all-around capabilities, saying, “He can score goals, defend, run, and he’s more consistent. That is the most important.”
Rooney’s praise for Rice was evident as he highlighted the midfielder’s versatility and tactical awareness. He remarked, “He was all over the pitch [against Everton]. His decision-making – when to pass it, where to pass it – was a pleasure to watch.” This performance exemplifies Rice’s ability to influence the game on multiple fronts.
With Rice orchestrating play in the midfield, Arsenal is currently viewed as a strong contender for the Premier League title this season. Gallas expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges the team faces. “If Arsenal can keep that spot until the end of the season, I completely understand what the fans are feeling,” he said.
He noted that Arsenal has consistently finished in second place in recent seasons, and this year’s journey may pose similar challenges. “The squad is very strong in every position,” Gallas stated, but cautioned, “We know the Premier League is very long, especially with all the other competitions they have to play.”
Arsenal’s fixture congestion, with matches occurring every three days, could test the squad’s depth. Gallas mentioned the impact of injuries to key players, emphasizing that the club must remain vigilant as they approach the demanding months of January and February.
Despite these potential hurdles, Gallas believes Arsenal has a good chance to claim the Premier League title. He pointed out that while teams like Manchester City have a strong offensive line, they have shown vulnerabilities defensively. “For me, Arsenal has a good opportunity to win the Premier League, but they have to be careful,” Gallas concluded.
The ongoing debate over the best midfielder highlights the competitive nature of football and the rising talents who are shaping the future of the game. As Rice continues to improve, the football world will be watching closely to see if he can solidify his place among the elite in the coming years.
