JazzG When you think of the great midfielders of the past, they all had an aura on the pitch. Keane had it, and so did players like Graeme Souness and Bryan Robson. I see those same qualities in Rice, who could be the difference for Arsenal this season as they challenge for the title.

Whilst I don't disagree with the point he's making, funny how all these great players who had auras about them were white British players. The only mention of Vieira was that he was a defensive midfielder and never scored more than 6 league goals. Robson and Souness were before my time but no way can you keep banging on about Keane without mentioning Vieira in a similar vein.

      JazzG Big Willie Agreed, I'd argue Vieira was better than all of them as well...

      Was thinking that it's not even close when posting but left it out cuz I didn't want to risk potential grief in case some of our Irish friends on here were super patriotic. 😉

          Big Willie There's two things going on here. Firstly, Rice is so al dente at the moment that the Carraghers and Nevilles are having to admit it. Secondly, the only way they can do it is by comparing him to Roy Keane or Gary Pallister. It's a bit like the syncretic religious symbols created by the Goths when they were Christianised.

            Big Willie there you have what? Vieira was way better than Keane IMO, and Keanes a prick but that doesn't change his nationality.

                Qwiss there you have what? Vieira was way better than Keane IMO, and Keanes a prick but that doesn't change his nationality.

                I'm sorry man, I wasn't being serious.

                  I know we've all said daft stuff on here, but in years to come, we'll all be laughing over the question "which Tolly forumer once described Arsenal legend Declan Rice as a "hyped up Scott Parker"?"...

                    He has 3 goals in the league so far this season, his all time best is 4 goals. If he can to 7-10 goals this season that would be a phenomenal return.