Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher rates Arsenal star Declan Rice as ‘one of the top five midfielders in the world’

Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher rates Arsenal and England star Declan Rice as ‘one of the top five’ midfielders in the world. Rice has come in for some flack during England’s stuttering Euro 2024 campaign but Gallagher insists he is ‘world-class’ and only getting better.

Arsenal’s record signing enjoyed an impressive first season at the Emirates Stadium, featuring in all 38 of the Gunners’ Premier League games as they once again came agonisingly close to winning the title .

‘I would say around the top five,’ Gallagher told talkSPORT when asked where he would rank Rice. ‘I can’t think off the top of my head now but he is definitely up there and the exciting thing is he’s getting better as well. ‘He’s only just moved to a top team like Arsenal and he’s still improved massively from when he was at West Ham. So it’s really exciting for everyone England and like I said, he’s a top guy as well. ‘I think he is pretty much a world-class midfielder, he’s been fantastic for Arsenal so far and I’m sure he’s going to keep improving.’

While Rice has played almost every minute of England’s Euros campaign, Gallagher only made second-half appearances in the group games against Serbia and Denmark before being subbed off in the goalless draw with Slovenia.

Gallagher replaced Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s team against Slovenia but was withdrawn for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo at half-time. Gareth Southgate stuck with Mainoo for the last-16 clash with Slovakia, bringing on Gallagher in extra-time as England defended an unexpected lead. ‘Obviously it’s not nice,’

Gallagher said of his half-time substituion. ‘You want to play as much as possible and to get an opportunity to start a game for England at a major tournament is incredible. ‘I was really excited. But it was a really difficult game, I don’t think we were particularly playing great or creating many chances.

‘I understand the manager wanted to change a couple of things tactically and bringing on Kobbie to come a bit deeper and get on the ball, progress the ball is completely understandable. ‘What is great about the manager is that he came and told me before, before he told the team, so I knew and it was fine. Obviously, you want to play as much as possible but I completely understand.’

Ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka will be part of the Switzerland side hoping to end England’s Euro dreams on Saturday. The 31-year-old helped Bayer Leverkusen claim a stunning Bundesliga title last season after leaving the Gunners.

‘He’s obviously a top player as well,’ Gallagher said of Xhaka. ‘He had a good time at Arsenal and obviously had a fantastic season at Bayer Leverkusen. ‘Obviously he’s got loads of experience, a lot of quality. He’s a leader for Switzerland. So we’ve got to make sure we’re at our best whoever comes directly up against him, he is a great player.’