Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has rated Arsenal and England star Declan Rice as “one of the top five midfielders in the world”.
Rice came under criticism during England’s lackluster Euro 2024 campaign but Gallagher insists he is “world class” and is only getting better.
Arsenal’s record transfer fee signing impressed in his first season at the Emirates Stadium, appearing in all 38 of Arsenal’s Premier League games as they came close to winning the title again.
Asked where he would rank Rice, Gallagher told talkSPORT: “I’d say around the top five.”
“I can’t think of any right now, but he’s definitely up there and the good news is he’s getting better.”
“He’s only just moved to a top team like Arsenal but he’s improved so much since he was at West Ham so it’s really exciting for everyone in England and like I said, he’s a top class player too.”
“I think he’s truly a world-class midfielder. He’s done brilliantly for Arsenal so far and I’m sure he will continue to develop.”
Rice played almost every game of England’s Euros campaign, but Gallagher only came on in the second half in the group stage matches against Serbia and Denmark before being substituted in the goalless draw with Slovenia.
Gallagher made his England debut in place of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold against Slovenia but was replaced by Manchester United’s Koby Mainu at half-time.
Gareth Southgate continued to use Mainu in the round of 16 win over Slovakia, before bringing on Gallagher in extra time with England holding on to an unlikely lead.
“Obviously it’s not a great feeling,” Gallagher said of being substituted at half-time. “I want to play for as long as I can and to get the opportunity to start for England in a major tournament is incredible.
“It was really exciting, but it was a really difficult game. I don’t think we played particularly well and we didn’t create many chances.”
“I understand the manager wanted to make some changes tactically and bringing Coby on to come a little deeper and get some touches on the ball and move the ball forward makes perfect sense.”
“The great thing about the manager is he came and told me before he told the team, so I knew and it was OK. Of course you want to play as much as possible but that’s completely understandable.”
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka will be part of a Switzerland squad hoping to end England’s Euro dreams on Saturday.
The 31-year-old helped Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive Bundesliga title win last season after leaving Arsenal.
“He’s obviously a top player,” Gallagher said of Xhaka, “and he’s had a good time at Arsenal and then of course a great season at Bayer Leverkusen.”
“Obviously, he has a lot of experience and is very talented. He is the leader of Switzerland, so whoever we face directly against, we have to be at our best. He is a great player.”
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