Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Declan Rice can become nearly unstoppable for Arsenal's opponents. After Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool, he compared Rice to Steven Gerrard but noted a flaw that holds him back.
Rice was named the best player of the match at Anfield. His powerful run down the flank and precise pass set up Kai Havertz for the winning goal. After the match, Jamie Carragher described the 27-year-old as the best central midfielder in the Premier League.
Scholes: "He will be practically impossible to stop"
In the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes admitted he had previously criticised Rice for dwelling on the ball for too long.
Declan Rice is good, but I have probably criticised him a few times. The only thing I don’t like about him is that, in my opinion, he takes too many touches for a midfielder.
If he starts playing one or two touches and opens up immediately, he will be virtually impossible to stop. Almost like Steven Gerrard.
I really liked his goal against Bayern a couple of weeks ago. It was magnificent, and that’s how he needs to play more often.
What he did on Sunday, when he powered down the flank, is just impossible to catch. Look at his physical attributes. He is a bit like Steven Gerrard. They are both big, powerful, strong lads.
The problems arise when he fiddles with the ball in midfield and takes too many touches. He hardly ever plays one or two touches.
One or two touches, and a burst of pace—no one will be able to catch him. Opponents simply won’t be able to deal with him. He has started doing this a little more often. The passage of play that led to the goal was a fantastic run and great pass.
Nicky Butt: "He is the best in the Premier League by a considerable margin"
Another former Manchester United midfielder, Nicky Butt, agreed with Scholes but rated Rice's current level even higher.
I understand what Scholes is saying about the number of touches, but I think Rice is a phenomenal player.
If you think back to the powerful box-to-box midfielders of yesteryear—Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard—Rice is now in that bracket.
Among midfielders of that type, he is the best in the Premier League by a considerable margin. He is approaching his peak, he understands his game and his body’s capabilities perfectly. He is currently at the top of his game.
Rice's performance against Liverpool further confirmed his importance to Mikel Arteta's side. Scholes is confident that the midfielder can improve even further if he takes quicker decisions and utilises his physical strength more for off-the-ball runs.
