Declan Rice: Souness Highlights Key Area For Improvement To Achieve World-Class Level

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Souness's Critique: The Need for Increased Goal Contribution

Souness, a midfield legend himself, hasn't minced words about Rice's potential. His primary concern centers on the need for a significantly increased goal contribution. While Rice excels defensively, consistently shielding the backline and dictating the tempo of the game, his offensive output lags behind other top midfielders. Souness argues that to reach the very top, Rice must become a more prolific goal scorer and assist provider.

• Current goal and assist numbers: While precise numbers fluctuate throughout the season, it's undeniable that Rice's goal contribution isn't currently reflective of his overall talent level when compared to players like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes.
• Comparison to similar players (e.g., Kanté, Casemiro, Rodri): Players like Casemiro and Rodri, known for their defensive solidity, still manage to contribute crucial goals at important moments. Rice's current numbers fall short of this standard.
• Statistics from different competitions (Premier League, Champions League, etc.): Analyzing Rice's statistics across different competitions provides a more comprehensive view of his goal contribution and potential for improvement. The higher pressure and quality of opposition in the Champions League, for example, demand a higher offensive output.

Technical Aspects: Improving Shooting Accuracy and Creativity

Improving Rice's goal contribution isn't just about luck; it requires focused work on technical aspects. His shooting accuracy, particularly from inside the box, needs refinement. This involves dedicated practice sessions focused on:

• Examples of missed chances: Analyzing key moments in matches where Rice had clear opportunities but failed to capitalize will pinpoint specific areas for improvement.
• Analysis of shot placement and power: Video analysis can reveal inconsistencies in shot placement and power, highlighting areas where technique can be refined.
• Suggestions for improvement in shot selection and timing: Rice needs to improve his decision-making in the final third, selecting the best shooting option and executing it at the optimal moment.
• Recommendations for working on long-range shooting and set-pieces: Developing the ability to score from distance and master set-pieces will further enhance his goal-scoring potential.

Tactical Adjustments: Finding Advanced Positions and Timing Runs

Tactical awareness plays a significant role in a midfielder's goal contribution. Rice's positioning and movement, especially when the team attacks, needs adjustment. He needs to find those crucial advanced positions to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

• Examples of successful advanced runs by other midfielders: Studying the movement patterns of attacking midfielders who are successful in similar roles will inform Rice's tactical development.
• How tactical adjustments might increase Rice's involvement in attack: With specific tactical instructions and practice, Rice can learn to anticipate openings, make timely runs into the box, and become a more significant threat in the attacking third.
• Analyzing his off-the-ball movement: Even without the ball, Rice's movement can create space for teammates and improve his own chances of receiving passes in dangerous positions.

Mentality and Confidence: The Importance of Belief in Attacking Prowess

The mental game is crucial for goal scoring. A confident player is more likely to take risks and capitalize on opportunities. For Rice, this means:

• Importance of positive self-talk and mental resilience: Building belief in his ability to score goals is paramount. Positive self-talk and mental resilience training can significantly impact his on-field performance.
• The role of a supportive coaching staff and teammates: A supportive environment where his attacking ambition is encouraged will foster the confidence he needs to thrive.
• Learning from successful attacking midfielders: Mentorship and observation of other successful midfielders can further boost his confidence and provide invaluable insights.

Conclusion: Declan Rice's Potential and the Path Forward

Graeme Souness's critique highlights a clear path for Declan Rice's development: significantly improve his goal contribution. This requires focused work on technical skills, tactical awareness, and a strong mental approach. By improving his shooting accuracy, finding advanced positions, and building unwavering confidence in his attacking capabilities, Rice can unlock his full potential and become the world-class midfielder many anticipate. Share your thoughts: how can Declan Rice further improve his goal-scoring prowess and establish himself as a top-tier Arsenal midfielder and a world-class player? Let's discuss Declan Rice improvement strategies and help this exceptional talent reach his full potential!