Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has drawn comparisons between new Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.
During Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Rice, the former West Ham captain, was awarded the Man of the Match.
Neville highlighted the attributes that Rice brings to Arsenal’s midfield, emphasizing qualities of power, personality, and physicality, which he likened to what Essien brought to Chelsea during his time there.
In Neville’s words on Sky Sports, he stated, “What I think he brings to Arsenal’s midfield is power, personality and physicality. Essien brought that to Chelsea. I think that would, for me, be a better example of what I see him as,’ Neville said on Sky Sports.
Neville further elaborated, “[Claude] Makelele was the defender, [Frank] Lampard was the goals and Essien, and this is not a criticism by the way, Essien was a brilliant player. I loved him at Chelsea.
“I thought he was outstanding, but he was the power, he was a force in there for three or four years. And for me, I see him more as an Essien. I wouldn’t put him personally in the category of Keane and Vieira.”
Michael Essien enjoyed a highly successful period at Chelsea, achieving numerous trophies, including the coveted UEFA Champions League title.
