Declan Rice: Graeme Souness says Arsenal star could be a ‘big player’ for the next decade
Declan Rice made his Premier League debut for Arsenal on Saturday and Graeme Souness believes the England star could be a ‘big player’ at the club for the next decade. However, Souness doubts Rice will ever establish himself as one of the ‘great midfielders in world football’.
Rice made his first Premier League appearance for the Gunners on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side made a winning start to the new season, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at home.
Arsenal spent more than £100m to sign Rice from West Ham earlier in the summer, making the England star one of the most expensive purchases in Premier League history.
Souness Believes Rice Can Justify His Price Tag
Souness believes Rice can justify his price-tag by starring for Arsenal over the next decade but says he needs to add more to his game to be considered a ‘world-class midfielder’.
‘Is Declan Rice a great player? Not yet, but he could be, if he can improve on these two very important aspects of being a world-class midfielder,’ Souness wrote in a column for the Daily Mail.
‘Firstly, he needs to score more goals. Secondly, he has to make that cute, clever pass forward to create chances for others, instead of being content to go square and safe. Unfortunately, I’m not sure they are qualities that can be coached.’
Rice Needs To Add More To His Game
Souness believes Rice needs to add more to his game if he is to become a world-class midfielder. He says Rice needs to be more decisive and ruthless when attacking and back himself to become more of a goal threat.
‘He seems happy to perform his defensive duties, which he does excellently, but that is only one part of being a midfield player. Arsenal, compared to West Ham, will spend more time attacking and in the final third. Rice will be patrolling the area 25 yards from goal. When he gets the ball, the way the pitches are today, he should be getting it out of his feet and striking on goal. He should be thinking, “I’m good enough to make the goalkeeper work from here”. He doesn’t do that enough. That is an obvious thing he has to improve on. It comes back to what I said about his mindset.’
Rice Could Be A Big Player For Arsenal For The Next Decade
Souness believes Rice can be a big player for Arsenal for the next decade if he can avoid serious injury. He also believes Rice has a very good attitude and is a sound character.
‘The challenge for him is to add goals and assists to his game – and only then will we be talking about one of the great midfield players in world football. The £100m transfer fee is an incredible amount of money, but I’m sure he will deal with that. You also have to factor in the longevity. He could be a big player for Arsenal for the next decade, if he can avoid serious injury. They’re signing a player who has a very good attitude. There is so much to like about him. He cares. He has a great dynamic with his team-mates and supporters. He is a sound character, I’m sure of that.’
Conclusion
Declan Rice could be a big player for Arsenal over the next decade if he can add more goals and assists to his game and avoid serious injury. Souness believes Rice needs to be more decisive and ruthless when attacking and back himself to become more of a goal threat if he is to become one of the great midfielders in world football.