James McClean blasts big money Arsenal star as ‘overrated’, Pep Guardiola disagrees

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James McClean has caused a stir over his comments on one £100 million English star but it seems Pep Guardiola would disagree with his stance.

English midfielder Declan Rice completed a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last summer and the former West Ham United midfielder was one of the Gunners’ most important players.

Rice netted a superb winner for the Gunners against Manchester United in September and stood out during the crunch matches against Manchester City.

The English midfielder looks set to be one of the key cogs in the national team this summer for Gareth Southgate’s side this summer and performed admirably against Serbia in England’s opening game of EURO 2024.

McClean on ‘overrated’ Rice

Speaking on Irish television, the Republic of Ireland winger, who is now at EFL League One side Wrexham has made some rather controversial points on Rice.

“I think Declan Rice is overrated,” The Wrexham man said on RTE Sport. “Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.

“For me, he’s not world class. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that. I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world class, He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.

“Someone who gets it on the half turn, plays passes forward. He’s very good at what he does.”

Pep Guardiola would have loved to sign Rice

One man who certainly believes Rice is good enough for his team is City manager Pep Guardiola.

Speaking to The Mirror ahead of City’s first clash against the Gunners last season, which Arsenal won thanks to a Gabriel Martinelli goal, the Spaniard admitted he wanted the midfielder.

“He’s not the first one who we wanted who didn’t join us. We have a long list,”Guardiola said.

“Basically, they don’t want to come or the price or whatever, so it could not happen. He made his decision, a good one, and good luck. All the teams in the Premier League would have signed Declan Rice.”