Souness Says Arsenal’s Rice Is Not a Complete Midfielder
Graeme Souness has maintained that Declan Rice is being used too deep to be regarded as a complete midfielder, despite the Arsenal player’s strong opening to the Premier League campaign.
The former Liverpool captain believes Rice’s best qualities are defensive and said the 27-year-old often drops into positions normally occupied by a centre-back during Arsenal’s build-up. Souness had made a similar assessment in July, when he suggested the England international could ultimately suit a role in the heart of defence and described limitations in his all-round midfield game.
Rice has begun the domestic season impressively after an underwhelming World Cup in which injury concerns affected him, but Souness argued that Arsenal’s structure leaves him too far from the areas where he can influence attacks. Speaking on Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored, he pointed to Rice regularly receiving possession as Arsenal’s deepest outfield player, either between the central defenders or alongside a full-back.
“He is often the player furthest back when Arsenal have the ball,” Souness said. “That means he is not really operating in midfield. He plays so deep that he cannot shape the match higher up the pitch. He reads danger exceptionally well, and for me he is the leading defensive midfielder in the country, but he is always stationed back there.”
Souness said Rice can carry the ball forward before choosing a safe sideways pass, adding that there is much to admire in his technique and passing style. However, he maintained that the Arsenal man does not yet possess the complete range required of an elite central midfielder.
He also questioned whether Rice would be selected ahead of the leading options at Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester City. Souness contrasted Rice’s positioning with that of Fernandinho and Rodri at City, arguing that both operated more decisively in midfield rather than routinely collecting uncomplicated passes from defenders.
Arsenal’s next tests
Rice completed all 90 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, a result which preserved the champions’ perfect Premier League record at the start of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side now turn their attention to Europe, with an away Champions League tie against Napoli scheduled for Wednesday. Arsenal then return to league action against Sunderland next weekend.
