Ian Ladyman argues Rice needs 'to get to that next level'

Unlike Steven Gerrard or Patrick Vieira, Declan Rice cannot 'bend games to his will' and must step up a level if he is to be remembered as a truly elite midfielder, Ian Ladyman has argued on the Daily Mail's Whistleblowers podcast. Speaking to co-host Mark Clattenburg and special guest Katie Shanahan, the Daily Mail's chief football writer said Rice, now in his prime at 27, must be able to reproduce the world class form he showed in Wednesday's Champions League semifinal each and every week. Comparing Arsenal's £105m midfielder to Roy Keane , Ladyman argued that Rice too often goes missing for club and country when his side are struggling and must be more consistent if he is to be considered among the Premier League's greats. Rice was dominant during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid , helping the Gunners reach their first Champions League final in 20 years.