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

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Souness's Critique: Lack of Final Third Impact

Graeme Souness, a midfield maestro in his own right, has been vocal about Declan Rice's need for greater attacking contributions. Souness hasn't outright dismissed Rice's talent; rather, he's pointed out a consistent shortcoming: a lack of decisive impact in the final third. While he acknowledges Rice’s defensive prowess, Souness believes that a world-class midfielder needs to offer more in terms of goals, assists, and creative playmaking. He argues, "Rice is a fantastic player, but to reach the very top, he needs to add more goals and assists to his game. His defensive work is exceptional, but the elite midfielders also contribute significantly in attack."

This critique is supported, to some extent, by statistical analysis. While Rice excels in tackles, interceptions, and pass completion percentages in midfield, his goal and assist numbers are relatively modest compared to other top midfielders in the Premier League.

• Examples of matches where Rice's final third performance was lacking: Several key games, particularly against top-tier opposition, have showcased a need for improvement in his final ball delivery and shot accuracy.
• Comparison of Rice's stats with other top midfielders: Comparing his key passes, shots on target, and goal contribution to players like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes highlights a noticeable gap in attacking output.
• Discussion of Rice's passing accuracy and creativity in the final third: While his passing accuracy is generally high, the creativity and penetration in the final third sometimes fall short, resulting in fewer chances for his teammates.

Rice's Strengths: Defensive Prowess and Midfield Dominance

Before addressing the final third concerns, it's crucial to acknowledge Declan Rice's undeniable strengths. He's a master of midfield control, a tenacious tackler, and a player who consistently wins back possession. His defensive work is arguably his greatest asset, making him a pivotal figure in both club and country.

• Tackles per game, interceptions, successful passes completed: Rice consistently ranks highly in these defensive metrics, demonstrating his exceptional ability to disrupt opposition attacks and control the tempo of the game.
• Examples of games where Rice's defensive work was crucial: Numerous matches showcase how his defensive contributions have been game-changing, preventing goals and securing victories.
• Comparison with other defensive midfielders who may lack offensive capabilities but are still considered elite: Players like Claude Makélélé, known primarily for their defensive prowess, demonstrate that elite status doesn't always necessitate high offensive numbers.

The Path to World-Class: Necessary Improvements in the Final Third

Reaching world-class status requires more than just defensive excellence. To address Souness's concerns, Declan Rice needs targeted improvements in his final-third play. This involves enhancing his decision-making, improving his shooting accuracy, increasing the number of key passes he delivers, and making more intelligent attacking runs.

• Specific training drills that could enhance his final third play: Focused practice on shooting technique, creative passing drills, and attacking movement exercises would directly address this weakness.
• Examples of other midfielders who successfully improved their attacking contribution: The transformation of players who initially focused on defense but later developed strong attacking skills provides a roadmap for Rice's potential growth.
• The potential impact of playing in a more attacking system on Rice's final third contribution: A change of tactics could help unlock his offensive capabilities, providing more opportunities to showcase his creativity and goal-scoring ability.

Counterarguments: Alternative Perspectives on Rice's Role

While Souness’s criticism holds weight, counterarguments exist. Rice’s role within a team often prioritizes defensive stability. Many managers value his contribution to the overall balance of the team above a higher number of attacking returns.

• Arguments highlighting the importance of Rice’s defensive contributions to the team’s overall success: A strong defensive base allows the attacking players to flourish, and Rice's defensive capabilities provide that crucial foundation.
• Examples of managers who prioritize a more defensive-minded approach from their midfielders: Several successful managers have demonstrated that a highly effective team doesn't always require a midfield heavily focused on attacking contributions.
• Discussion of the different metrics used to evaluate a midfielder’s overall performance: Beyond goals and assists, other metrics, like tackles won, interceptions, and pass completion rates, are equally important in assessing a midfielder's overall performance and contribute to the overall team performance.

Conclusion: Declan Rice's Future and the Final Third Question

Declan Rice is undeniably a top-tier midfielder, but whether he needs significant final-third improvement to reach world-class status remains a complex question. While his defensive contributions are exceptional, his attacking output needs refinement. His role within a team and his manager's tactical approach play vital roles in determining the emphasis placed on his attacking capabilities. However, to truly compete with the world's elite, enhancing his attacking presence would solidify his claim as a world-class midfielder.

Do you think Declan Rice needs to significantly improve his final third play to become a world-class midfielder? Share your thoughts in the comments below!