Arsenal legend, Paul Merson argued that Declan Rice should have been named Premier League Player of the Season instead of Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
The 24-year-old Man City midfielder had a stellar 2023/24, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists, helping his team to its fourth consecutive league title.
However, Merson believes that Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105 million last summer, had a more transformative impact.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via Arsenal Insider), Merson said, “Declan Rice has taken Arsenal to another level. I think Phil Foden has not taken Manchester City to another level. I think he has been outstanding but Declan Rice has taken the Gunners to another level.
“He’s just nearly got them to where Manchester City are. I think he has been consistent the whole season. I mean Phil Foden has been outstanding. But, I am just thinking outside the box, just what I see.”
