Declan Rice: Souness Highlights Key Area For Improvement To Become World-Class

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Souness's Critique: The Need for More Goals and Creativity

Souness, a midfield maestro in his playing days, argues that while Rice's defensive capabilities are exceptional, his attacking contributions need significant refinement. He's a fantastic defensive midfielder, arguably one of the best in the Premier League, but reaching the pinnacle of the game demands more offensive threat. To become a world-class player, comparable to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne or Luka Modric, Rice needs to add goals and creativity to his already impressive arsenal.

• Lack of consistent goal-scoring ability: While he can chip in with important goals, a more prolific goal-scoring record is needed for a midfielder of his caliber.
• Limited key passes and chances created per game: His passing accuracy is high, but he needs to take more risks and attempt more key passes to unlock defenses.
• Need to increase his range of passing and improve his through-ball accuracy: More incisive, splitting passes can significantly enhance his attacking contribution and create more scoring opportunities for his teammates.
• Potential to develop a more potent long-range shot: Adding a powerful, accurate long-range shot to his repertoire would make him a more unpredictable and dangerous attacking asset. This would allow him to contribute more goals from distance.

Analyzing Rice's Strengths: A Solid Foundation for Growth

Despite Souness's constructive criticism, Rice possesses several significant strengths that provide a robust foundation for improvement. His defensive work-rate, tactical awareness, and overall game intelligence are already top-tier, placing him among the best defensive midfielders in the world.

• Exceptional tackling and interception skills: Rice consistently disrupts opposition attacks with his precise tackles and intelligent interceptions.
• Strong physical presence and aerial ability: His strength and height allow him to win aerial duels and dominate midfield battles.
• Excellent leadership qualities and defensive organization: He's a natural leader on the pitch, organizing his defense and inspiring his teammates.
• Consistent performances and high work ethic: Rice consistently delivers strong performances, demonstrating a relentless work ethic and commitment to the team.

Tactical Flexibility: Adapting to Different Systems

Rice's adaptability to various midfield roles is a significant asset. He's comfortable playing in a deeper, more defensive role, as well as in a more advanced position. However, further development in specific attacking phases within different formations could significantly elevate his game.

• Mastering the advanced playmaker role in possession-based systems: Improving his ability to dictate tempo and create openings in congested midfield areas is key.
• Improving his ability to dictate tempo and create openings in congested midfield areas: This requires better vision and the ability to find teammates with precise passes under pressure.
• Developing an understanding of when to support attacking plays effectively: Knowing when to push forward and contribute offensively without compromising defensive stability is crucial.

The Path to World-Class: Specific Training and Development

Reaching world-class status demands focused training and development in the areas Souness highlighted. This requires dedication, a commitment to improving weaknesses, and potentially working with specialized coaches.

• Specialized training sessions focused on shooting technique and long-range accuracy: Improving his striking power and accuracy is essential for increasing his goal-scoring output.
• Tactical drills emphasizing creative passing and through-ball precision: Practicing different passing techniques and improving his ability to execute through balls under pressure will create more opportunities for his team.
• Working on exploiting space in attacking transitions effectively: This involves improving his decision-making and timing of runs into advanced positions.
• Mentorship from experienced attacking midfielders: Learning from players with proven attacking prowess could greatly benefit his development.

Conclusion

Declan Rice is already a highly talented midfielder, a key player for both Arsenal and England. However, Graeme Souness's observations highlight the need for further development of his attacking capabilities to reach the very pinnacle of the game. By focusing on improving his goal-scoring ability, creative passing, and adapting his play to various tactical systems, Rice can solidify his place as a world-class player. His existing strengths provide a solid foundation for this growth. Will Rice heed Souness's advice and continue his upward trajectory? Only time will tell, but his potential to become a truly elite midfielder is undeniable. Let's continue to watch Declan Rice's progress and see if he can take his game to the next level and truly become a world-class midfielder.