Graeme Souness: Declan Rice Needs Final Third Improvement To Reach World-Class Status

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Souness's Criticism and its Validity

Souness's assessment highlighted Declan Rice's defensive strengths, but pointed to a relative lack of creativity and impact in the final third. While he excels at winning back possession, intercepting passes, and shielding the defense – hallmarks of a top-tier defensive midfielder – Souness argued that this alone isn't enough for world-class status. The statistics largely corroborate this view.

• Low key pass percentage in the attacking third: Compared to midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes, Rice's key pass percentage in the final third is significantly lower, indicating fewer chances created for teammates.
• Limited creative contributions: His assist numbers and chances created don't match the output of midfielders consistently operating at the highest level. While tackles and interceptions are tracked meticulously, the subtle art of chance creation is harder to quantify but noticeably less frequent in Rice's game.
• Comparison with other top midfielders: Elite midfielders consistently contribute goals and assists, impacting the game at both ends of the pitch. Rice's impressive defensive work needs to be balanced with a more potent attacking presence.
• Examples of games where this weakness was evident: Certain high-profile matches, particularly against defensively strong teams, have showcased Rice's limitations in unlocking compact defenses, where his passing accuracy and creativity could be more decisive.

The Importance of Final Third Play for a Complete Midfielder

For any midfielder aiming for world-class status, final-third contributions are paramount. The ability to dictate the tempo of a game, unlock defenses, and create scoring opportunities is crucial. A truly elite midfielder isn't just a destroyer; they are a creator, influencing the game decisively in the opposition's half.

• Ability to unlock defenses with incisive passing: A precise through ball can split a defense, creating a clear goalscoring chance. This is an area where Rice could significantly improve his impact.
• Creating scoring chances through accurate through balls and key passes: Elite midfielders consistently deliver accurate passes that lead directly to shots on goal. Rice needs to increase the frequency and accuracy of these passes.
• Contribution to goal scoring through shots from outside the box: While not a primary responsibility, the occasional long-range shot adds another dimension to a midfielder's game, keeping defenses on their toes.
• Overall impact on team's attacking prowess: A complete midfielder elevates the entire team's attacking potential. Rice's improved final-third play would dramatically improve West Ham's (and now Arsenal's) attacking fluidity.

Specific Areas for Improvement in Rice's Game

To elevate his game, Declan Rice needs focused improvement in specific technical and tactical aspects:

• Improved passing accuracy under pressure: Often, decisive passes are attempted under pressure. Rice needs to improve his accuracy and composure in these situations.
• Enhanced vision to spot through balls and create chances: Developing better spatial awareness and vision will allow him to pick out teammates with incisive passes.
• Better decision-making in the final third: Quick, decisive decision-making is critical in the final third. Rice needs to improve his ability to select the best passing option under pressure.
• Strategic positioning to receive passes in better attacking positions: By positioning himself intelligently, he can receive the ball in better positions to make a creative impact.

Potential for Improvement and Future Outlook

Despite the areas needing refinement, Declan Rice possesses immense potential. His age suggests significant room for growth, and his move to Arsenal presents an ideal environment for development.

• Rice's young age suggests significant room for improvement: At a relatively young age for a midfielder, he has ample time to refine his skills and become a more complete player.
• Arsenal's possession-based style could positively influence his game: Arsenal's style of play, emphasizing possession and creative passing, could significantly help Rice develop his final-third skills.
• Dedicated coaching and training can address weaknesses: With dedicated coaching and focused training, Rice can address the identified weaknesses and enhance his overall game.
• The potential for Rice to become a world-class all-round midfielder: The potential is clearly there. With focused effort, Declan Rice can truly become a world-class midfielder, influencing matches at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's assessment of Declan Rice is insightful: while a formidable defensive midfielder, improving his final-third play is crucial for reaching world-class status. This involves enhanced passing accuracy under pressure, improved vision, better decision-making, and strategic positioning. His potential for growth is significant, and his move to Arsenal provides an ideal platform for development. While his defensive attributes are undeniable, mastering the final third is the key to unlocking Declan Rice's true potential and joining the ranks of the world's elite midfielders. Let's discuss: what other areas of his game need refinement to reach peak performance? #DeclanRice #WorldClassMidfielder #FinalThird #FootballAnalysis