In our view, Liverpool need the services of Declan Rice a lot more in comparison to Jude Bellingham.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were linked with the signature of the £100 million-rated West Ham United skipper just a month ago, while the latter is constantly speculated with a switch to Anfield.
However, our unpopular opinion is that Liverpool should prioritize the arrival of Arsenal target Declan Rice over Jude Bellingham.
WHY LIVERPOOL NEED TO SIGN RICE MORE THAN BELLINGHAM
As was on display against Real Madrid, Fabinho looks millions miles off his best self, and has done throughout the season, which has proven key in the Reds’ steep downfall. The same goes for Jordan Henderson, whose athletic decline has also affected his ability to cover the space left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose defensive frailties have come to light.
Keeping these factors in mind, a natural defensive midfielder like Declan Rice, who is undoubtedly one of the best in his position in the Premier League would significantly improve Liverpool, in comparison to a more forward-thinking player like Jude Bellingham.
While the Borussia Dortmund talisman can operate across the midfield, the reason why he remains one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world is when he finds himself in the final third, as was the case at the World Cup.
If Liverpool sign Declan Rice, dubbed as ‘world-class’ by Ian Wright on Premier League.com they could utilise him in perhaps a similar box-to-box midfield role as they may have planned to do so with Jude Bellingham, whilst having a player who could stabilise the entire midfield singlehandedly.
Considering the Hammers hero has basically been a one-man midfield at his boyhood club as well, with Tomas Soucek’s form falling off a cliff and Lucas Paqueta yet to settle in East London, he could easily do the same in a red shirt in a much superior team.
The signing of Declan Rice for Liverpool, unlike perhaps Jude Bellingham could also mask the flaws of his fellow teammates, if a move does happen at Anfield.
With the wonderkid already being a fan of his national teammate, the ideal scenario would be if both join Klopp and Co. but the more experienced operator is perhaps a bigger priority for the club.
