Patrick Vieira reacted on ITV Sport’s live coverage of Euro 2020 football on Saturday to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice claiming that he would prefer to play alongside Roy Keane in midfield than the Arsenal legend.
West Ham’s defensive rock was asked to pick between the Premier League legends and he opted to pick the ex-Manchester United captain.
Given that Rice is of an Irish background, and he played for the Republic of Ireland, it’s no surprise that he opted for Keane.
But this is what Rice had to say when picking between Keane and Vieira, with the Highbury hero reminding his old rival about the trophies he won for France.
“Ooooh, what a question,” said Rice. “I am going to say, Keane. I can just imagine two holding midfielders tearing the pitch up. I think I would be suited to playing next to Roy.
“My ideal midfield would be Roy and Patrick next to me in the middle. I left Patrick out earlier. Don’t take offence to that, please. I watched you growing up. That would be a great midfield. We’ll get you the free-roam role and me and Roy would do the dirty work.”
Vieira responded to those comments in the ITV studios: “I quite like the interview until the last question because when you talk about players who managed to win at the highest level then I expect him to say, Patrick. He chose the wrong person. Roy knows already (on Patrick’s World Cup and Euro medals).
“He is improving and growing up as a player. I think he’s still really young. And he’s doing well in the Premier League. I think it’s a big tournament for him. I think he has to show that he’s maturing and he can perform at this level. There’s a massive expectation on his shoulder.
“He’s full of talent. He’s a ball-winner. And now he has to perform.”
Well, Rice started of his first major tournament in fine fashion today after he helped England record a 1-0 win against Croatia.
The Chelsea academy product started in the middle of the park, alongside his childhood friend, Mason Mount, and Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.
Many were left surprised by Gareth Southgate selecting two holders, but Rice was the one who held back, whilst Phillips and Mount drove forward.
All in all, his calls before the game were justified, as England will now turn their attention to Scotland on Friday.
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