Graeme Souness questions whether Declan Rice can be a top midfielder
Graeme Souness has questioned whether West Ham United ace Declan Rice can become a top midfielder going forward.
The England international, 22, has plenty of suitors keen to sign him after establishing himself as one of the best in his position for both club and country.
However, Souness reckons he is better-suited playing as a centre-back given his natural abilities and physical attributes.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers game against Manchester United on Sunday, the Sky Sports pundit said (as shared by Football Daily official Twitter account): “I’ve not seen every game he’s played in, but I think you’ve got to remember again that he’s 22, he’s a season pro already. He’s got great energy level, he’s an athlete, and he senses danger.”
“Going forward, when it’s about delivering cute and clever passes, I think he’s a little short in that. Will he get that? We’d have to wait and see.
“I see him ultimately being a defender. I think a modern and central defender that is good on the ball, sits under pressure and deliver passes, he can certainly do that, from being the last line of defence.
“In midfield, I understand that he’s learning that game in there. It would be a terrible waste not to use what God’s given him, which is that tremendous athleticism, but in terms of being that top top midfield player I’m not sure.”
Bizarre
Souness has loads of experience, and the former Rangers and Liverpool manager knows a lot about what it takes to succeed as a midfielder having played as one during his professional career.
However, while his opinion will always be held in high esteem, it is bizarre to see him doubt Rice’s ability to become a midfield maestro.
The Hammers ace is without a doubt one of the best players in the holding midfield position right now in the top-flight, and the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Man Utd have all been linked with interests in him.
According to Football London, some at the Stamford Bridge are keen to bring him back to the club and use him as a centre-back, and they will definitely agree with Souness.
Rice grew up playing in defence during his schoolboy days and has lined up in the position for West Ham in a couple of games.
He is capable of playing excellently well as a central defender just as much as he is in deep midfield, and there is no need to doubt whether he can become a top player in the latter as he is already on his way to being one.
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