Declan Rice has hit the ground running at Arsenal.

The midfielder only arrived at the Emirates this summer, but he’s already established himself as one of the Gunners’ most important players.

Rice is undoubtedly one of the first names on the Arsenal teamsheet now, and his performances as of late have been nothing short of outstanding.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce has been discussing Rice’s recent form, and he’s been full of praise for the midfielder, even going as far as to compare him to Jude Bellingham.

Rice is like Bellingham

Allardyce spoke highly of the midfielder.

“In my opinion yeah, one of the biggest differences and one of the biggest purchases they made. I thought Man City were going to buy him when they bid, I thought they would go the whole way, but they didn’t and I think he had his eye on Arsenal anyway. I don’t know, but he’s made a difference in midfield. I watched him when they beat us at Leeds, and I said to Moyesy ‘you lucky boy.’ It’s a bit like Jude Bellingham and what’s happened to him, what a player he’s become, Declan Rice hasn’t had that impact, but he has had a massive impact at England, West Ham and now Arsenal,” Allardyce said.

What a midfield

The fact that you can speak about both Rice and Bellingham in this way is so exciting from an England perspective.

These two genuinely could form one of the best midfield pairings in the world for years to come if they continue on their current trajectories.

Rice has come on leaps and bounds over the past few months, while Bellingham has become an almost unrecognisable player since signing for Real Madrid.

Make no mistake about it, these two are two of the most highly-regarded players in world football these days, and Gareth Southgate has the pleasure of working with both men.

Mikel Arteta says ‘intelligent’ Arsenal midfielder ‘a doubt’ vs Liverpool

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on Jorginho ahead of the match against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Anfield.

Arteta has also noted if Thomas Partey or Mohamed Elneny could play for Arsenal against Liverpool.

So, what has Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said about Jorginho? Let’s take a look.

Jorginho may not play for Arsenal vs Liverpool

Well, Liverpool and Arsenal will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this weekend.

The match between Jurgen Klopp’s side and Mikel Arteta’s team will be held at Anfield and will be played on Saturday evening.

I believe that it is going to be a cracker. I am expecting goals from both teams. After all, Arsenal have scored 35 goals in 17 Premier League matches so far this season. Liverpool have found the back of the net 36 times.

Arsenal, though, have injury issues. As you can see below, manager Mikel Arteta has said that Ghana international defensive midfielder Thomas Partey is not available for the match against Liverpool at Anfield.

Arteta has noted that Jorginho is a doubt for the match. The Italy international midfielder has a foot problem.

Jorginho has made four starts and seven substitute appearances in the Premier League and has scored one goal in three starts and two substitute appearances in the UEFA Champions League for Arsenal this campaign.

Jorginho could be a big miss for Arsenal vs Liverpool

I believe that Jorginho could be a big miss for Arsenal. Yes, the 32-year-old is not a regular in the Gunners’ starting lineup, but he has a wealth of experience and knows how to handle big games.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently said that Jorginho is “one of the most intelligent players” he has coached, noting how his teammates listen to him.

Liverpool play at a very high tempo, and you need someone like Jorginho who is measured in his approach and knows how to slow things down.