Declan Rice: Souness Highlights Areas For Improvement To Become World-Class

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Souness's Critique: Consistency and Goal Threat

Souness's assessment of Declan Rice centers on two crucial elements: consistency and goal threat. While Rice possesses undeniable talent, Souness believes a higher level of performance is needed for consistent dominance at the highest level.

Lack of Consistent Dominance

Souness argues that Rice doesn't consistently impose his will on every match. There are games where his influence seems to wane, leaving room for improvement.

• Needs to impose his will more frequently: Rice needs to dictate the tempo of games more consistently, regardless of the opposition.
• Greater influence against weaker opposition: Even against less challenging opponents, Rice needs to exhibit a commanding presence and control the midfield. This shows true mastery.
• Improved game management: His game management needs sharpening. He should be better at dictating the rhythm of the game, slowing it down when necessary and accelerating it when opportunities arise.
• Refining decision-making: Inconsistent passing accuracy and decision-making in crucial moments need significant refinement. This includes making quicker, more decisive passes under pressure.

Need for Increased Goal Contributions

Another key area highlighted by Souness is Rice's goal contribution. While his defensive prowess is unquestionable, a world-class midfielder needs to contribute more goals and assists.

• Shooting accuracy and power: Improving his shooting accuracy and power from distance is crucial. More goals from outside the box would add a potent attacking dimension to his game.
• Effective late runs: Timing his late runs into the box more effectively will create more scoring opportunities. He needs to anticipate the play and make intelligent runs to exploit gaps in the defense.
• Incisive passes: He needs to enhance his ability to deliver those incisive passes that split defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
• Attacking awareness: Improving his overall attacking awareness and positioning will naturally lead to more chances to score and assist.

Technical Aspects Requiring Enhancement for Declan Rice

Beyond the tactical aspects, Souness also pointed to specific technical skills that need refinement for Rice to reach the next level.

Passing Range and Accuracy

Expanding Rice's passing range is crucial. While his short passing is generally strong, he needs to develop more variety and precision in his longer passes.

• Accurate long-range passes: Developing more accurate long-range passes to switch play effectively is a key area for improvement.
• Precise through balls: He needs to work on his ability to pick out teammates with precise through balls, splitting open opposition defenses.
• Short passing accuracy under pressure: Maintaining his short passing accuracy under intense pressure is essential for maintaining possession and controlling the midfield.
• Weighted passes: Practicing weighted passes to create scoring chances will significantly enhance his playmaking capabilities.

Dribbling and Ball Control

Souness also identified Rice’s dribbling and ball control as needing attention. While not a flair player, improved dribbling would add another string to his bow.

• Close control under pressure: Improving his close control in tight spaces under pressure will allow him to maintain possession more effectively.
• Beating opponents: He needs to enhance his ability to beat opponents with skill and pace, creating space for himself and his teammates.
• Carrying the ball forward: Increasing his comfort in carrying the ball forward will allow him to drive attacks and create more attacking opportunities.
• Agility and quickness: Developing greater agility and quickness of feet will enable him to evade tackles more effectively.

Mental Fortitude and Leadership in Declan Rice's Game

Beyond technical skills, the mental aspect of the game plays a critical role in reaching world-class status. Souness highlighted the importance of leadership and mental strength for Rice's development.

On-Field Leadership

To truly command the midfield, Rice needs to develop into a more vocal and influential leader on the pitch.

• Effective communication: He needs to communicate more effectively with teammates, organizing the defense and directing attacks.
• Vocal leadership: Exerting greater vocal leadership during games is essential for motivating his team and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Leading by example: He should lead by example through his relentless work rate, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment.
• Inspirational figure: Becoming a true inspirational figure for his teammates will elevate their performance and overall team dynamic.

Mental Strength and Resilience

The pressure at the highest level demands unwavering mental fortitude.

• Concentration and focus: Improving his concentration and focus throughout the entire game is crucial for maintaining consistent performance.
• Composure under pressure: Showing greater composure under pressure during crucial moments will allow him to make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
• Resilience: Developing resilience to bounce back from setbacks is critical for maintaining a high level of performance over the course of a long season.
• Consistent performance: Maintaining his level of performance consistently over a long season is vital for establishing himself as a world-class player.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's insightful critique provides a clear roadmap for Declan Rice's continued development. By focusing on consistency, enhancing his goal contribution, improving his technical skills, and cultivating stronger leadership qualities, Rice can undoubtedly solidify his place among the world's elite midfielders. The journey to becoming a truly world-class player requires dedication, relentless hard work, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. Will Declan Rice heed Souness's advice and rise to the challenge? The potential is undeniably there. Follow Declan Rice's journey and witness his progress as he strives to become a world-class player.