Rice has been pivotal for Arsenal so far this season, shining under manager Mikel Arteta, who has helped the England international become one of the best players in the league by some distance.
The 26-year-old is aiming to help the Gunners end a 22 year title drought this season as Arsenal charge ahead at the top of the table. Speaking to Sky Sports, two time Premier League winner Pires suggested that Rice can already be compared to the greats.
"If you want to lift the trophy at the end of the season, you need a player like Declan Rice," Pires stated. "You need a Patrick Vieira, a Thierry Henry, a Tony Adams… and Declan Rice is in the same circle, yes."
Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League title and are now 6 points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who sit below them.
Rice to win the Ballon d'Or?
If Rice helps the side lift the title, then he could be well on his way to the Ballon d’Or, especially if he excels with England at the World Cup.
Speaking on his Ballon d’Or chances, Rice suggested that he is remaining humble.
"I'm just Dec from Kingston, ain't I."
"Look, they're the right conversations to be in. Arsenal fans really appreciate what I'm doing for them at the minute and it was West Ham fans before that, they were singing my praises.
"When you're being compared to the best players in the world it's nice, so long may that continue. It shows you're playing well, and you want to play at the highest level."