Overview
- On Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored this week Graeme Souness said Declan Rice often plays as the last man in build-up, described that style as "old man's football" and called it "cheating" while also suggesting Rice might suit centre-back.
- Souness added that Rice would not necessarily fit into the midfield systems of elite European clubs and blamed Rice’s deeper positioning for part of England’s World Cup semi-final collapse, though he conceded Rice is the best defensive midfielder in England right now.
- Rice remains a central figure for Arsenal after a perfect start to the new season with three straight Premier League wins and is widely credited for helping the club win the 2023–24 title and reach last season’s Champions League final.
- Pundits and club analysts have pushed back by pointing to Mikel Arteta’s tactical instruction for a deep-lying pivot that protects the defence, aids build-up under pressure and frees more creative teammates to operate higher up the pitch.
- The exchange has developed into a media-driven punditry row that so far looks unlikely to affect Arsenal’s plans or Rice’s standing but could keep tactical selection and Rice’s role under scrutiny during the club’s early season fixtures.