‘Signing of the Millennium’ – Declan Rice is a general but Graeme Souness calls him 6/10 for one side of his game

Graeme Souness stands by his claim that Declan Rice will end up as a defender instead of playing in midfield.

The Liverpool legend first made the argument after Rice’s move to Arsenal back in 2023.

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Souness believed at the time that the England international does not score enough goals.

Now into his third season with the Gunners, Rice has scored 18 goals in 121 appearances across all competitions.

He has also provided 26 assists, including setting up Eberechi Eze’s first goal in Sunday’s thrashing of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Souness remains unconvinced by Rice’s ability in certain parts of his game despite labelling his defensive abilities ’10 out of 10′.

Souness on Rice

Having joined White & Jordan on Monday morning, he was asked about his previous comments regarding Rice, notably calling him a defender.

The former Scotland midfielder told talkSPORT: “I think, ultimately, that’s where he’ll play.

“After the last England game, I think there was some journalist pointing out something I put out four or five years ago.

“If you’re talking about the defensive side of the game, for a central midfield player, he’s a 10 out of 10.

“I think he’s a six out of 10 with the ball, when he’s trying to make cute and clever passes. [That’s] just my opinion.”

Rice largely featured as a centre-back after first breaking into the West Ham team under David Moyes during the 2017/18 season.

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However, the then 19-year-old established himself in his more recognisable defensive midfield role for the Hammers the following campaign.

His displays earned him an England debut aged 20 in March 2019 before sealing a move to the Gunners worth an initial £100million two years ago.

Rice has now made 72 appearances for the Three Lions as well as being a key man for his country at the last three major tournaments.

Arsenal’s best signing of the millennium

For Gooners, meanwhile, he’s a sensation.

Amongst the praise, Piers Morgan has compared his impact to Premier League title winners Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.

The broadcaster told the talkSPORT Breakfast show: “Declan Rice has to be the best Arsenal signing of this millennium.

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“The best three in my lifetime before were Henry, Bergkamp and Vieira, but the best signing this millennium has been Rice.

“He’s an absolute general.”

Rice remains Arsenal’s record signing following his arrival in 2023.

His current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2028, although the club holds the option of a further year.

The 26-year-old has featured in all 18 matches across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup so far this term.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won all four of their European clashes alongside topping the Premier League and easing into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.