Souness Criticises Rice: Arsenal Midfielder Needs To Sharpen Final Third Play

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Souness's Critique: A Detailed Look

Souness, a renowned figure in football punditry, didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Declan Rice. His critique focuses on two key aspects: Rice's lack of goals and assists, and his decision-making in the final third.

Lack of Goals and Assists

Souness's concern centers around Rice's relatively low goal and assist numbers compared to his hefty price tag and the high expectations placed upon him. This section will analyze his statistics in detail, comparing them to other top midfielders in the Premier League.

• Statistical Comparison: Let's compare Rice's goal and assist tallies to midfielders like Casemiro (Manchester United) and Rodri (Manchester City). While precise figures fluctuate throughout the season, a comparison at various points reveals a disparity. For example, during a specific period in the season, Casemiro might have significantly more goals and assists than Rice, even though both play a similar defensive midfield role. Reliable sources like Premier League official statistics and reputable football data websites should be referenced for accurate and up-to-date figures.
• Defensive vs. Attacking Contributions: It's crucial to differentiate between a defensive midfielder's contributions and their attacking output. Rice's strength lies in his defensive capabilities – winning tackles, breaking up play, and shielding the backline. However, to reach the elite level, he needs to add more goals and assists to his game. The expectations are understandably higher given his transfer fee.
• Contextual Analysis: We must consider the context of Rice's limited attacking involvement. Arsenal's tactical setup under Mikel Arteta might not always prioritize his attacking forays. Analyzing matches where Arsenal dominated possession versus matches where they were more defensive will give a clearer picture of Rice's opportunities in the attacking third.

Decision-Making in the Final Third

Souness's criticism likely extends to Rice's decision-making when presented with opportunities in the final third. This section will examine instances where his choices could have been improved.

• Examples of Suboptimal Choices: Specific examples from matches, including short video clips where available (links to be inserted here), will illustrate instances where a more decisive pass, shot, or dribble could have led to a goal or assist. For example, one could analyze a situation where Rice opted for a safe back pass instead of attempting a riskier, potentially more rewarding through ball.
• Passing Accuracy and Selection: Analyzing Rice's passing accuracy and selection in the attacking third is crucial. Does he consistently opt for safe, sideways passes, or does he attempt more ambitious, forward passes? Comparing his pass completion rates in the final third to other top midfielders will highlight areas for improvement.
• Risk Aversion: Rice's tendency to opt for safe passes rather than riskier, more creative options might stem from a desire to avoid mistakes. However, to unlock his attacking potential, he needs to balance caution with ambition. He needs to trust his abilities and take more chances in the final third.

How Rice Can Improve His Final Third Play

While Souness's criticism is valid, it also presents an opportunity for growth. Rice possesses the potential to become a truly complete midfielder, and focusing on these areas can significantly enhance his final-third contributions.

Enhanced Shooting Practice

More consistent shooting practice and improved finishing technique are essential for Rice.

• Specific Training Regimes: This could involve dedicated shooting drills focusing on accuracy from various distances and angles, power shots, and practicing under pressure. Specific examples of drills, like those used by elite strikers and midfielders, can be detailed here.
• Pressure Situations: Practicing under simulated match conditions, with pressure and defenders closing down, is crucial for improving performance under pressure. This might include training scenarios that replicate the intensity of a real game.
• Examples of Improvement: Many midfielders have significantly improved their goal-scoring abilities through dedicated practice. Mentioning examples of players who have made similar improvements and outlining their training approaches would be beneficial.

Riskier, More Creative Passing

Taking more risks with his passing could unlock Rice's attacking potential.

• Specific Instances: Highlight specific instances in matches where a riskier pass, such as a through ball or a lofted pass over the defense, could have created a higher-quality scoring opportunity.
• Vision and Awareness: Improving his vision and awareness on the pitch is essential for identifying those opportunities. This involves scanning the field more effectively and anticipating the movement of teammates.
• Comparison to Creative Midfielders: Analyzing the passing styles of creative midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes and comparing them to Rice's style will provide insights into how he can improve his passing range and accuracy.

Improved Positioning and Movement

Better positioning and movement in attacking phases can create more goal-scoring opportunities.

• Tactical Positioning: Analyzing his current positioning and suggesting improvements based on Arsenal's tactical setup is crucial. Perhaps Arteta could position him higher up the pitch in specific phases of play.
• Timing of Runs: Improving the timing of his runs into the box is vital. This requires anticipation of the play and coordination with teammates.
• Tactical Adjustments by Arteta: Arteta could implement tactical adjustments to create more opportunities for Rice to contribute in the final third, for example, utilizing his strength in carrying the ball forward to create chances.

Conclusion

Souness’s criticism of Declan Rice’s final third play is a valid point, highlighting areas where improvement is necessary for him to reach his full potential. While his defensive contributions are undeniable, developing his attacking capabilities will transform him into a truly complete midfielder. Through enhanced shooting practice, bolder passing choices, and improved positioning and movement, Rice can significantly improve his final-third contributions and help Arsenal achieve greater success. By focusing on these key areas, Rice can silence critics and become a central figure in Arsenal's title challenge. Let's see how the Declan Rice Arsenal story continues to unfold.