Rice defends his style after Souness 'cheating' criticism

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 02:56 · Archive

Declan Rice has responded to criticism from Graeme Souness, who claimed the Arsenal midfielder plays 'old man's football' and 'cheating'.

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has criticised Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice for his defensive approach. Souness claimed Rice plays 'old man's football' and 'cheating', arguing that he spends so much time deep in his own half he might as well play centre back. The pundit also suggested Rice would not get a game for clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Rice has dismissed the criticism by pointing to his record at Arsenal. Since joining the Gunners in 2023, he has scored 22 goals and provided 33 assists. "My numbers since I joined Arsenal speak for themselves," Rice said. "For a 'centre back', I think that's not bad numbers. I've had a lot of assists, a lot of goals. To be a top-class centre back getting those numbers, I'm delighted with that!"

Rice acknowledged that Souness holds a long-standing opinion on his playing style. "I think he's had his opinion probably since my West Ham days, if I'm being honest with you," Rice said. He added that as an ex-professional, Souness is entitled to his views but that Rice himself cannot change that opinion.

The midfielder said his approach is simply to perform on the pitch and block out external noise. "I can only do what I do, which is go on the pitch, perform, play well and block out the noise," he said. Rice also suggested that Souness, 73, may not fully understand how football has evolved in recent years.

Rice expressed respect for Souness despite their disagreement. "Obviously I know him as a pundit. So I'm sure if I met him in person there would be no disrespect there. I'd shake his hand. I'd chat with him," Rice said. The midfielder was speaking ahead of England's Nations League match against Spain in Madrid on Sunday night.

How it is being reported

• Declan Rice delivers verdict on £100m Arsenal transfer target after ‘contact made’Gunners are said to have joined race for Premier League star before JanuaryEvening Standard · 14 Nov, 23:50
• Rice close to signing new Arsenal contractArsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice says he is close to signing a new contract with his club.BBC Sport · 14 Nov, 20:40
• Declan Rice bites back at Graeme Souness: Arsenal star claims pundit doesn't understand how the game has evolved over 'old man's football' criticism - and jokes: 'My numbers aren't bad "for a centre-back!"'CRAIG HOPE: Souness has long believed the Arsenal and England star does not do enough for a midfielder and said recently he might as well play centre back.Daily Mail Sport · 14 Nov, 20:34
• Declan Rice fires back at Graeme Souness after Arsenal star accused of 'cheating'Liverpool legend Graeme Souness was highly critical of Arsenal star Declan Rice, with the England midfielder now offering a strong responseMirror Sport · 14 Nov, 20:30

In this story: Declan Rice · Graeme Souness · Arsenal · England · Real Madrid · Barcelona · West Ham · Liverpool

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