Declan Rice’s reputation has never been higher.
The Arsenal midfielder played a huge role in the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph, was outstanding throughout their run to the Champions League final and is widely expected to be one of the frontrunners for the Player of the Season award.
That is why a new ranking released ahead of the World Cup has raised a few eyebrows among Arsenal supporters.
Three Gunners made ESPN’s top 10 list of the best players heading into the tournament, but Rice was not one of them.
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Declan Rice snubbed in ESPN’s 10 best players at the World Cup list
When Arsenal fans were asked at the start of the season to predict their most important player, many would have chosen Bukayo Saka or perhaps William Saliba.
Rice, however, overtook both of them and almost everyone else thanks to his outstanding performances from start to finish.
The England international dominated midfield battles, produced decisive moments in huge matches and consistently dragged Arsenal through difficult periods when they needed a leader.
That is why many supporters expected him to rank among the very best players heading into the World Cup. ESPN clearly see things a little differently.
Their latest ranking of the 50 best players at the tournament includes three Arsenal stars in the top 10. Saliba came in seventh place, Saka was ranked ninth, and Martin Odegaard completed the top 10.
All three players are absolutely incredible, but Rice’s ranking on the list is a big surprise.
The Arsenal midfielder was only ranked 16th, meaning ESPN believe there are 15 players heading into the tournament in better form or with a greater chance of influencing proceedings.
Considering Rice was arguably Arsenal’s best player throughout their title-winning campaign, that feels like a very harsh assessment.
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Gabriel Magalhaes’ ranking is a joke
As surprising as Rice’s position is, Gabriel Magalhaes’ ranking is arguably even harder to understand.
The Brazilian centre-back was placed 44th on ESPN’s list.
That feels absurd for a player who has spent the last two seasons establishing himself as one of the best defenders in world football.
Gabriel is not just an elite defender either; he is also one of Arsenal’s biggest attacking weapons from set-pieces, regularly deciding matches at the opposite end of the pitch as well.
Very few centre-backs can dominate both penalty areas the way he does, which is why opposition teams devote so much attention to him whenever the North Londoners win a corner or free-kick.
Putting Gabriel 44th feels like a massive disrespect – if anything, he should have been competing with Saliba for a place in the top 10 rather than sitting down near the bottom of the list.
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