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

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Declan Rice's Strengths: A Solid Foundation

Declan Rice's current standing as a top-tier midfielder is built upon a strong foundation of defensive excellence and leadership. His impact extends far beyond mere statistics.

Defensive Prowess and Physicality

Rice is a master of defensive midfield. His physicality is a significant asset, allowing him to dominate midfield battles. He consistently wins aerial duels, makes crucial interceptions, and displays an impressive tackling ability.

• Impactful Tackles: His perfectly timed tackles disrupt opposition attacks and prevent scoring opportunities. Numerous instances in his West Ham and Arsenal careers showcase his ability to read the game and make decisive interventions.
• Key Interceptions: Rice's anticipation and positional awareness enable him to intercept passes, effectively cutting off attacks in their nascent stages. This prevents dangerous counter-attacks and keeps his team's defensive shape intact.
• Aerial Dominance: Standing at 6'1", Rice is a powerful presence in the air, winning headers and clearing the ball effectively, especially in defending set pieces.

Keywords: Defensive midfielder, tackling, interceptions, physicality, West Ham, Arsenal

Leadership Qualities and Tactical Awareness

Beyond his physical attributes, Rice's leadership and tactical intelligence set him apart. His captaincy experience at West Ham United and now his significant role at Arsenal speaks volumes about his maturity and influence.

• On-Field Leadership: He organizes the defense, motivates teammates, and makes crucial tactical adjustments during matches. His presence inspires confidence in his team.
• Tactical Decisions: Rice demonstrates a deep understanding of the game, positioning himself strategically to both intercept and initiate attacks. His tactical acumen is evident in his game management.
• Game Intelligence: His decision-making reflects excellent game awareness. He understands when to tackle aggressively and when to hold his position for a better opportunity.

Keywords: Captain, leadership, tactical awareness, game intelligence, midfield general

The Final Third Deficiency: Where Improvement Is Needed

While Declan Rice's defensive capabilities are undeniable, his final-third contributions need substantial improvement to elevate him to world-class status. This is where Graeme Souness's criticism focuses.

Passing Accuracy and Creativity

Rice's passing accuracy and creativity in the final third are areas requiring significant work. While his short passing is generally accurate, his ability to deliver incisive through balls and unlock defenses remains inconsistent.

• Poor Passing Decisions: Occasional misplaced passes, especially in the attacking third, hinder attacking momentum. He sometimes opts for safe, predictable passes when a riskier, more creative approach could yield better results.
• Missed Opportunities to Create Scoring Chances: Rice's inability to consistently deliver key passes denies his teammates opportunities to score goals. Improving his vision and weighting of passes are essential.

Keywords: Passing accuracy, key passes, creative midfielders, final third, through balls

Goalscoring and Shot Accuracy

Rice’s goalscoring record is modest for a midfielder of his caliber. His shot accuracy also needs improvement. He frequently finds himself in positions to shoot but doesn't capitalize on the opportunities.

• Low Goalscoring Rate: Compared to other elite midfielders, his goals per game ratio is relatively low. This is an area requiring considerable improvement.
• Poor Shot Conversion: His finishing abilities require sharpening. More practice and confidence will improve his shot accuracy and goalscoring capability.

Keywords: Goals, shots on target, goalscoring midfielder, attacking threat, finishing

Dribbling and Ball Carrying

Rice’s dribbling and ball-carrying abilities are not weaknesses as severe as his shot accuracy or creative passing. Nevertheless, enhancing his ability to progress the ball effectively through the midfield would greatly augment his overall contribution.

• Limited Dribbling Prowess: While not a slouch at dribbling, improving his ability to beat defenders one-on-one would create more attacking opportunities.
• Missed Opportunities for Attacking Runs: More decisive and confident forward runs with the ball at his feet would help him transition possession more effectively and create chances.

Keywords: Ball carrying, dribbling, midfield progression, attacking runs

Potential Pathways to Improvement

Reaching world-class status requires focused effort. For Declan Rice, this means dedicated attention to his final-third shortcomings.

Increased Training Focus

Targeted training can significantly improve Rice's weak points. A structured approach will address specific technical and tactical deficiencies.

• Shooting Practice: Regular shooting drills focusing on accuracy and power are crucial to improve his goalscoring threat.
• Passing Drills: Intensive practice sessions focusing on weighting passes, through balls, and improving vision will help him deliver more creative passes in the attacking third.
• Tactical Sessions: Dedicated tactical sessions focusing on attacking movement and positioning will improve his understanding of creating chances.

Keywords: Training regime, skill development, tactical training, shooting practice, passing drills

Learning from Elite Midfielders

Studying the game of elite midfielders can provide invaluable insights and inspiration. By observing and analyzing their techniques, Rice can adapt and refine his own game.

• Role Models: Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modrić, and Bruno Fernandes excel in the final third. Analyzing their creative passing, movement, and finishing techniques can provide valuable lessons.
• Emulating Technical Skills: Focus on emulating specific skills, like the precise weighting of through balls or the ability to create space for shots.

Keywords: Role models, midfield maestros, technical skills, creative midfielders, tactical intelligence

Conclusion

Declan Rice is an exceptional defensive midfielder with strong leadership qualities. However, to reach the pinnacle of the game and truly become a world-class player, significant improvement in his final third play is essential. Graeme Souness’s assessment highlights the necessity for enhancing his passing accuracy, creativity, goalscoring ability, and overall attacking contribution. Only time will tell if Declan Rice can overcome this final-third hurdle, but with dedicated work and the right guidance, he has the potential to achieve world-class status. Let's see if he can rise to the challenge and elevate his game in the final third.