Graeme Souness outlines the key aspect Declan Rice must improve to elevate his game

Souness says Declan Rice’s Journey to Becoming a Midfield Maestro Hinges on Offensive Brilliance

Renowned football pundit, Graeme Souness, has shared his thoughts on Declan Rice’s game in his Daily Mail column. While acknowledging Rice’s impressive abilities, Souness emphasized the need for the midfielder to enhance his contributions in the attacking third to reach the pinnacle of world-class football.

Rice, known for his physical presence, athleticism, and defensive prowess, has been a key figure for both club and country. Souness praised his work ethic, leadership, and ability to shield the defense effectively. However, he pointed out that Rice’s goal-scoring and creative statistics remain modest, which limits his impact in the final third.

Souness highlighted that Rice’s nine goals and nine assists for club and country, many of which come from set pieces, are not enough to elevate him to the level of players like Kevin De Bruyne. He suggested that Rice needs to develop a more “cute and clever” approach in attacking situations, creating opportunities and influencing games beyond his defensive capabilities.

At 26 years old, Rice has the time and determination to refine his skills and become a more complete player. Souness’s critique serves as a reminder that even the best players must continuously strive for improvement. With his attitude and dedication, Rice has the potential to rise to the challenge and cement his place among football’s elite.

While Declan Rice’s reputation as a reliable defensive midfielder is solidified by his commitment and physical presence, the pathway to becoming a truly world-class player lies in enhancing his offensive creativity. As Rice continues to hone his skills, blending his defensive reliability with a sharper, more inventive attack could be the key to his transformation into one of the game’s great midfield maestros.