Graeme Souness has reopened his long-running argument with Declan Rice, claiming Arsenal’s record signing too often retreats into the back line rather than taking control of the midfield battle.
Why it landed this week
- Arsenal
- Declan Rice
- Mikel Arteta
- Liverpool
- Middlesbrough
Souness questions Rice’s role
The former Scotland captain, who played for both Liverpool and Middlesbrough, has argued that Rice’s positioning under Arteta keeps him too far from the parts of the pitch where matches are decided.
Speaking on Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored programme, Souness said Rice is regularly the deepest player in Arsenal’s build-up, dropping between the centre-backs or into the space between a central defender and full-back.
In Souness’s view, that leaves Rice operating outside midfield too often. He compared the approach to “veterans’ football”, suggesting it allows a player to receive the ball without pressure before moving it on to a full-back.
He recalled doing something similar early in his own career, when he dropped into a defensive line of four, but believes the modern version has become a routine escape route for midfielders.
Respect for the defensive work, doubt over the full package
Souness did not question Rice’s qualities as a defensive midfielder. He described the 27-year-old as the finest holding player in the country, praising his ability to spot danger before it develops.
But he maintained that Rice sits too deep to impose himself on a game and lacks the all-round qualities required of a complete midfielder. The criticism follows Souness’s repeated belief that Arsenal’s most expensive signing is being used in a role which limits his influence.
Rice’s ability to carry possession also came under scrutiny. Souness said he sees the Arsenal man drive forward around 27 metres before playing a sideways pass, arguing that the ball can move faster than the player carrying it.
A centre-back case
Souness believes Rice could instead suit a role at centre-back. He praised his passing technique and body shape when receiving the ball, while insisting there was little to fault in those basic attributes.
His conclusion, though, was blunt: Rice is not a complete midfielder. Souness added that modern players can be sensitive to criticism, but he has no intention of softening his assessment.
SEO title: Graeme Souness says Declan Rice plays too deep for Arsenal
SEO description: Graeme Souness praises Declan Rice’s defensive instincts but argues Arsenal’s record signing operates too deep to be a complete midfielder.
