Wayne Rooney suggests player Arsenal once signed for £3.5m was even better than Declan Rice

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Arsenal have had several incredible midfielders over the years.

The Gunners, under Arsene Wenger, were one of the most technically gifted sides in the world, and the legendary Frenchman brought in multiple exceptional players.

That has continued since his departure as well. Mikel Arteta, who was a midfielder himself, has signed a few great players for the middle of his park, and Declan Rice is the pick of the bunch.

The Englishman has been sensational since he joined Arsenal, so much so that nobody has been talking about his massive price tag.

Wayne Rooney, however, seems to think that a former Arsenal midfielder was better than Rice.

Wayne Rooney picks Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and rival Premier League star over Declan Rice

Arsenal signed Patrick Vieira from AC Milan for just £3.5 million in 1996.

The Frenchman arrived before Wenger did, but it was the former Gunners boss’ recommendation to the club that led to the midfielder’s arrival.

Vieira dominated the Premier League during his time at Arsenal. He was one of the best in the business and led the club to multiple trophies.

Rooney played against Vieira back in the day, and he knows just how good a player the World Cup winner was when he was at Arsenal.

Now, in a game of ‘start, bench and sell’ with Thogden on Prime Video Sport, Rice, Vieira and Manchester City star Rodri’s names were put in front of Rooney.

The Manchester United legend decided to start Vieira, bench Rodri and sell Rice, which suggests that he rates the other two higher than the Arsenal number 41.

What Patrick Vieira thinks about Arsenal star Declan Rice

Vieira is a player that every central midfielder should look up to.

The Frenchman was big, strong, excellent on the ball and had the ability to create and score goals. He was fantastic off the ball as well and was fearless with his tackling.

Rice has several similar attributes to Vieira, and that is probably why the former Arsenal captain loves him.

Back in August 2024, Vieira said about Rice: “I like him because he is a team player, and I think when you play in that position, you have to be the one who sacrifices yourself for the team.

“You have to win the ball, and you have to give it to the players who can make the difference, and it is a really difficult position, because you work hard for the team, but you may not get a lot of credit like the guys who score those goals.

“When you’re looking at the Arsenal from last year, and I hope this year again, he will be an important key for the team, because he will do all the dirty work, who will make the other ones look good, and to allow the ones to make a difference in the last thirty yards.

“He is one of my favourite players in the Premier League, because he sacrifices himself, he works hard for the team, and he is a team player.”