England vice-captain Declan Rice has responded diplomatically but firmly to Graeme Souness’s recent criticism, asserting that the modern game demands a tactical evolution that the former Liverpool captain may not fully appreciate. While Souness has labeled Rice’s style as “old man’s football” and “cheating,” suggesting the midfielder is effectively playing as a center-back, Rice emphasized the respect he holds for the pundit, stating he would shake his hand and chat with him. However, Rice made it clear that his approach is a necessary adaptation to the current football landscape, noting that the sport has changed significantly since Souness’ playing days.
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Rice’s defense is backed by undeniable statistical evidence, as he highlighted his record of 15 goals and 25 assists in 129 Premier League appearances since joining Arsenal. The England international laughed off the notion that these numbers are typical for a center-back, arguing that his positioning and output prove his value in a hybrid midfield role. By framing his performance as “average” during the World Cup, Rice acknowledged the physical toll of the tournament while simultaneously challenging the traditional definitions of positional play that Souness and other pundits rely on.
The exchange highlights a growing divide between veteran pundits and modern players regarding the definition of midfield roles. Rice’s insistence that his numbers “speak for themselves” serves as a direct rebuttal to claims that he is merely “cheating” his position. As players face increasing pressure to manage fitness and minutes across multiple competitions, Rice’s comments underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of tactical flexibility in contemporary football, moving beyond rigid positional labels to evaluate player contribution.
Source: The Independent Sport
