The former Liverpool captain made the criticism after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, taking aim at Rice’s tendency to drop between the centre-backs during build-up play. Speaking on Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored, Souness argued that the £105 million signing often operates more like a defender than a genuine midfielder.
Key Points
- Graeme Souness accused Declan Rice of playing too deep to properly influence matches.
- Souness called Rice’s deep positioning “old man’s football” and “cheating.”
- The former Liverpool captain questioned whether Rice would get into midfield for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester City.
- Rice remains a key player for Arsenal, who have won their opening three Premier League games.
Souness Takes Aim at Rice’s Midfield Role
Souness acknowledged Rice’s defensive quality but argued that his positioning limits his influence in midfield.
“How many times do you see him as the last man with the ball?” Souness said. He claimed Rice regularly sits between the centre-backs or alongside a full-back, allowing him to receive the ball without pressure before making simple passes forward.
Souness described the approach as “old man’s football” and “cheating,” arguing that Rice needs to operate further forward if he wants to become a complete midfielder.
‘He Plays Too Deep to Affect the Game’
While praising Rice as “the best defensive midfielder in the country right now,” Souness questioned whether the Arsenal star offers enough with the ball.
“He plays too deep to affect the game,” Souness said, while suggesting Rice could even be better suited to playing at centre-half.
He also praised Rice’s ability to strike the ball and open his body when passing, but maintained that he is not yet a complete midfield player.
Souness Questions Rice’s World-Class Status
Souness was equally critical when asked whether Rice belongs among the world's elite midfielders.
“I'm not sure if he gets in Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Man City,” he said, pointing to former Manchester City midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri as examples of players who operated in the position more effectively.
The pundit also blamed Rice and Elliot Anderson for England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, arguing that the pair failed to control the midfield after England took the lead.
Arsenal Face Napoli After Perfect Start
Despite Souness’ criticism, Rice remains an important part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, who have opened their Premier League title defence with three consecutive victories against Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Arteta also has another midfield option following the £75m arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, who started on the bench against Chelsea.
Arsenal return to action on Wednesday against Napoli in the Champions League before travelling to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday.
