According to a report by Metro on Thursday November 5, 2026, Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice still has improvements to make before he can be considered among the world's best midfielders.

Rice has enjoyed an outstanding start to the current campaign, delivering consistently impressive performances for Mikel Arteta's side across domestic and European competitions.

The England international was particularly influential during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, earning another man-of-the-match performance.

He continued his impressive form against Slavia Prague on Wednesday, helping the Gunners secure a hard-fought 2-1 Champions League victory and strengthen their position in the competition's standings.

Rice's performances have also attracted individual recognition, finishing 15th in the latest Ballon d'Or rankings, further strengthening suggestions that he belongs among football's leading central midfielders.

However, Berbatov believes three other midfielders currently stand above the Arsenal star, identifying Manchester City's Rodri, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha as superior players.

Speaking to beIN Sports, the former Bulgaria international explained: “He is good, but for me Vitinha, Jude Bellingham and Rodri still, these type of midfield players are for me one of the best at the moment.”

Despite his assessment, Berbatov acknowledged Rice's enormous importance to Arsenal, describing him as an influential figure who consistently delivers energy and leadership.

The former striker also suggested that Arteta should consider resting his midfielder occasionally, particularly with an increasingly demanding fixture schedule approaching before December.

Berbatov highlighted Rice's contribution to Arsenal's second goal against Slavia Prague, explaining that his determination to recover possession demonstrated the qualities that make him such an important player.

He added: “He brings a lot of energy to every game, you know what you get with Declan Rice and he is a real leader.”

Berbatov also praised the midfielder's commitment and willingness to fight for possession, qualities he believes continue to make Rice an indispensable member of Arteta's squad.