Arsenal supporters have rushed to the defence of Declan Rice who was just slammed by a former Tottenham Hotspur player.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice started for England as they fell to defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin last night.
Rice was not at his best in the final, or throughout the tournament in general. The 25-year-old still performed an important function for Gareth Southgate’s side, and provided a screen to protect the back line, but his game lacked the progressive dynamism that has become the hallmark of his play under Mikel Arteta for Arsenal.
Southgate’s tactics have hindered Rice at times. However it was equally true that there were moments against Spain when the former West Ham United man lacked the conviction to be more aggressive on the ball and instead opted for more conservative, safe options.
England fans were hugely frustrated by Rice’s performance in the final, and the player himself will know that he fell short of his own high standards. His display has also drawn criticism from elsewhere.
Rafael van der Vaart slams Arsenal ace Declan Rice after Spain 2-1 England in Euro 2024 final
Rafael van der Vaart did not hold back in his criticism of Rice after the final.
The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, speaking to Dutch media outlet NOS, as quoted by Sport Bible, said: “€100M for Declan Rice. What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth €100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”
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Arteta encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role for Arsenal last season. This decision proved successful, as the England man delivered 7 goals and 10 assists, proving that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
Certainly, though, England did not see enough of that side of Rice’s game in Germany this summer. Due to a dip in form from the player himself, and the way that the Three Lions were set up and instructed to play, the Arsenal man was not able to showcase the full range of his skills.
In any case, though, van der Vaart’s assertion that Rice is in any way useless is, of course, wildly over the top.
Since the Duchman made his statement about Rice, Arsenal fans on X have been vocal in their defence of the player.
One said: “Declan Rice is not useless. Gareth doesn’t know how to use Declan Rice.”
Another claimed: “This is so not true. Declan Rice with Arsenal is at the heart of the midfield. Most players just didn’t find their rhythm playing for England. It is down to the coach. Look at Foden . I couldn’t believe that was the same Foden of Man city.”
One stated: “This is just his Spurs affiliation talk if he never joined spurs he won’t be talking.”
Another supporter added: “More forwards passes than any other England player. Meanwhile Foden has more passes to Pickford than Kane.”