Jamie Carragher reckons Arsenal's Declan Rice is the Premier League's top midfielder, with Manchester City's Elliot Anderson hot on his heels. Anderson, who joined City for £116 million in the summer, has made a massive impact, particularly during City's recent 3-0 win over Liverpool where he controlled large parts of the game and helped maintain their perfect start to the season.
Carragher, speaking after City's victory, stated that Anderson is now considered one of the league's elite midfielders. He told the Daily Post, "You’re now looking at arguably the best midfield player in the country alongside Declan Rice."
However, the former Liverpool defender still places Rice ahead, especially after his role in Arsenal's title charge last season. "I would always put Declan Rice on top of that list, certainly at the end of last season when he helped Arsenal win the title," Carragher commented, noting that both Rice and Anderson are among the best in the Premier League for England.
Anderson's performance at Anfield has been widely praised, with Sky Sports highlighting his blend of strong running, aggressive tackling, and smart distribution – qualities that define a modern holding midfielder. He's not just a destroyer; he also drives forward, controls the game's pace, and remains composed in high-pressure matches.
While Rice remains the benchmark due to his achievements with Arsenal, Anderson, still only 23, is rapidly closing the gap. If his development continues at this pace, Carragher might soon face a tougher choice when naming the league's best midfielder. For City, the significant investment in Anderson is already starting to look like a shrewd move.
