Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Alan Shearer has been discussing Declan Rice and his position at West Ham.
Rice is undoubtedly one of the Hammers’ most important players these days, and he’s up for the Young Player of the Season award after a breathtaking campaign.
Shearer was discussing Rice as a part of the Premier League’s Rising Stars series, and he reckons that Rice has been mislabelled as a defensive midfielder.
Indeed, the Newcastle legend argues that Rice is actually more of a box-to-box midfielder rather than just a holder these days.
What’s been said?
Shearer was discussing Rice’s position.
“From West Ham, it’s good to see Declan Rice in the mix for Young Player of the Season, he leads our list for interceptions this season and his passing is metronomic, averaging 60 passes per 90 minutes with an outstanding 92 per cent accuracy. Goals aren’t Rice’s forte, but they don’t have to be with his role in the team. He’s a disruptor with a great passing ability and, in fact, I’d argue that his label of defensive midfielder is now shifting to more of a box-to-box role,” Shearer said.
“Breaking up and dictating play, creating chances and leading by example, Rice is an asset for the Hammers in more ways than one.”
All-rounder
Shearer is absolutely right about Rice, he’s so much more than just a holding midfielder these days.
The West Ham star can do everything. He can tackle and intercept, but he’s also developing into one of the best ball carriers and one of the best creators in the country.
For a long time, Rice was seen as just a holding midfielder, and at one point, it was even argued that he’d be better off playing as a centre-half, but now, those arguments look foolish.
Rice can play in any role, but he’s at his best when he’s played as a box-to-box midfielder.
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