Souness questions Rice’s midfield credentials
Graeme Souness has reignited his war of words with Declan Rice by questioning whether the Arsenal and England star is even a midfielder, reports BritPanorama.
The Liverpool legend has intensified his criticism of Rice, having previously labelled the 27-year-old as “limited” and claiming he “won’t get any better” following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. These comments have sparked considerable debate, particularly given Rice’s emergence as a key player for both club and country.
Despite being pivotal in Arsenal’s recent success, which saw them clinch the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, Souness remains unconvinced about Rice’s role. He argues that Rice’s tendency to collect possession deep in his own half restricts his effectiveness further up the pitch.
In a provocative appearance on Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored, Souness suggested that Rice might be more suited to a centre-back position, highlighting, “How many times do you see him as the last man with the ball?” He added, “A lot of the time, he doesn’t play in midfield. It’s old man’s football. It’s cheating.”
While Souness did acknowledge Rice’s defensive capabilities, calling him the finest holding midfielder in English football, he contended that Rice operates too deep to influence matches as an elite midfielder should. “He plays too deep to affect the game,” Souness stated, asserting that Rice’s style is more reminiscent of a defender than that of a conventional midfielder.
Interestingly, Souness compared Rice’s playing style to his own early career experience, suggesting a shift in how modern midfielders are expected to operate. He noted that Rice is adept at winning the ball but questioned whether he possesses the complete skillset necessary for midfield dominance. “I don’t think he’s got enough football,” Souness remarked, adding that Rice fails to make a significant impact in attacking phases.
As the discussion unfolds, questions remain about Rice’s place among Europe’s elite teams. Souness expressed skepticism regarding the midfielder’s suitability for top clubs, speculating whether he would secure a position at clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Rice continues to evoke varied opinions, illuminating the complexities of evaluating talent in the ever-evolving landscape of modern football. It serves as a reminder of how critical scrutiny often mirrors the intense expectations of the sport, reflecting not just on individual players but on the very nature of footballing evolution.
