Jack Wilshere angered sections of Liverpool fans after suggesting that West Ham captain Declan Rice was better than Fabinho - but the player himself may disagree.
After watching the England international in the Hammers’ Europa League tie with West Ham on Thursday, Wilshere took to Twitter to ask: “Tell me a better DMF [defensive midfielder] than Declan Rice right now?” And despite several names being suggested, including Fabinho, Wilshere doubled down on his opinion .
However, Reds fans subsequently found a clip of Rice going against his former West Ham team mate and praising the Liverpool man. Speaking at an event to promote the launch of FIFA 20 in 2019, the England international was asked who he thought was the best defensive midfielder in the world.
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“At the moment, in the world, the best player in my position is probably Fabinho,” Rice said. “Champions League winner, adapted to the Premier League really quick; strong, powerful, sees a pass, reads the game well. Yeah, I’m going to have to say Fabinho.”
While Rice has improved dramatically under David Moyes, that Wilshere was so adamant in Rice’s ranking as the world’s best prompted a reaction from more than just Liverpool fans. When responding directly to a question about his thoughts on Fabinho , the 30-year-old said: “Doesn't have the presence Dec has. Dec can do everything he can and more."
In further defence of Rice, Wilshere added: “Busquets is the only one 3 or 4 years ago. And remember he played in a team that dominated possession in every game. Dec's job is harder in this team. He could play in any team in Europe. Fact. Lets (sic) hope its Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, Fabinho has remained a mainstay of a Liverpool side that has won the Champions League and Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp’s side currently competing for an unprecedented quadruple. In addition to being the defensive shield for a team that has conceded just 20 goals in the Premier League this season, Fabinho has also scored seven times for the Reds across all competitions.
