Rio Ferdinand pinpoints what Arsenal star Declan Rice completed that puts him on track with Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes

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Arsenal will be looking to build upon their emphatic victory over Real Madrid as they welcome Brentford to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit five points clear of third place Nottingham Forest in the Premier League as the Gunners look to secure second place.

Ian Wright has predicted an Arsenal victory whilst fellow pundit Gary Neville believes Brentford could make life difficult with Arsenal expected to rotate their side.

Prince William has praised Declan Rice and is one of many plaudits for the England international following Rice’s unstoppable free kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

READ MORE: Martin Odegaard says he would love it if player Arsene Wenger sold for £16m still played for Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand delivers £100m Declan Rice verdict

Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has explained that £100m Arsenal signing Rice has delivered a night that he needed to justify his price tag.

Ferdinand stated: “Did he need one of these nights at this level, costing £100million? I think you do. Every top player needs a standout moment. Like Gerrard had loads. Lampard had many of them. Scholes had many of them.”

The former Champions League winner then went on to explain that Rice’s performance will serve as a ‘marker’ for his future involvements with the Gunners.

Ferdinand explained: “Declan is like a mini historian in his head, he will know about these things and the great players over the years. I have to put a marker down with something.”

Ferdinand set to be left with egg on his face after Arsenal prediction

Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of the Champions League quarter final tie between Arsenal and Real Madrid, Ferdinand and Steve Mcmanaman shared the same prediction of the outcome.

Both believed that Real Madrid would win the tie with Ferdinand starting the tie was ‘done’ before a ball had even been kicked.

Jude Bellingham believed Real Madrid were ‘lucky’ in that they only conceded three goals on the night as keeper Thibaut Courtois made a string of fine saves to keep his team in the tie.

Arsenal will be warned against complacency and an early goal in the Bernabeu could change momentum of the tie but Ferdinand’s pre game prediction looks a long way off at present.