Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has sparked discussion regarding Arsenal’s Declan Rice, following his recent comments on the player’s capabilities and style. Scholes stated that Rice does not fit his ideal definition of a midfielder.
Scholes’ Controversial Ranking of Declan Rice
While appearing on episode 100 of The Overlap’s Stick to Football Podcast, Scholes revealed he did not include Rice in his top five Premier League midfielders. This has led to some backlash, as fans questioned his assessment of Rice.
“I get criticized for this, but I did a top five the other week, and Declan Rice wasn’t one of them. I prefer different attributes in a midfielder,” Scholes explained.
Preferences in Midfield Styles
Scholes expressed admiration for players with a more controlling and progressive style. He mentioned his preference for players like Vitinha from PSG and Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool, stating,
- “I like that controlling type who can contribute in various areas.”
- “Rice tends to take too many touches, trying to be stylish.”
He feels that while Rice has many qualities, he often does not utilize them fully. Scholes also compared Rice to Sandro Tonali, stating that he prefers the Newcastle United midfielder’s style.
Midfield Selection for England
On the subject of the England national team, Scholes confirmed his belief that Jude Bellingham should be a starter in midfield due to his overall contributions, highlighting his capabilities and goal-scoring abilities.
“I think he’s a must-have in the team,” Scholes asserted, while struggling to identify other midfielders who meet his criteria.
Comments on the Current Midfield Landscape
Scholes lamented the lack of diverse midfield talent in the current English setup. He noted,
- “We don’t have controlling midfielders like Vitinha or Toni Kroos.”
- “Jack Wilshere was once the closest to that type, but injuries hampered his career.”
In conclusion, Scholes’ comments have reignited debates about Declan Rice’s role within Arsenal and the broader landscape of Premier League midfielders, showcasing the diversity of opinion regarding player rankings and styles.
