Kieran Trippier rates Declan Rice above Thomas Partey and Casemiro

Kieran Trippier has stated that Declan Rice is a better player than Thomas Partey and Casemiro.

Rice has entered the final 18 months of his contract with West Ham and is attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Those clubs currently have Partey and Casemiro, respectively, on their books, who are widely regarded as two of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League, but Trippier believes his England teammate has the advantage over both.

When asked by Rio Ferdinand to choose between Rice and Partey during an appearance on the vibes with five podcast, the Newcastle defender replied without hesitation: ‘Declan. Declan is amazing.

‘I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he divides the game and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is. Incredible, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.

Kieran Trippier thinks his England teammate Declan Rice is an ‘incredible’ player

Trippier believes Rice is one of the best holding midfielders in world soccer.

Trippier believes Rice deserves to be seen as a better player than Thomas Partey and Casemiro

Trippier was then asked if he would accept Rice over Casemiro. Once again, his response was emphatic, as he simply said: ‘Yes’.

His direct response drew a few laughs on the podcast, but Trippier then went into more detail, explaining how only players like him and Ferdinand truly understand the value of Rice’s role on a team.

“As defenders like you or me, you appreciate Michael Carrick, or what Declan does,” Trippier said, turning to Ferdinand.

‘So it makes your job easier when they’re just cleaning everything up. Don’t get me wrong Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions League, he’s a world-class player, but if you’re talking right now, Decs is incredible.

Arsenal are currently on course to win their first league title in 19 years, and Partey has played a key role in their silver medal bid, but the Gunners are still keen to strengthen their midfield this summer and have identified Rice as your number one goal.

United have also had a long-term interest in Rice, with West Ham reportedly turning down a £100m offer last summer for the midfielder.

Rice is expected to leave the Hammers at the end of the season to pursue his dream of playing in the Champions League, but David Moyes has warned that it will take a record British transfer fee for the club to allow him to move on, with the East. The London outfit reportedly want £120m plus add-ons.