Declan Rice is ‘overrated’ and ‘doesn’t justify the hype’, according to James McClean.
The Republic Of Ireland and Wrexham star was a pundit on RTE Sport for Germany’s clash with Euro 2024 and while discussing Jamal Musiala, went off on something of a tangent about the England midfielder.
Discussing the Arsenal man on RTE Sport, McClean said: “I find with Musiala that he justifies the hype, I think that Declan Rice is very overrated.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer but the way the English media waxes lyrical about him is completely over the top.
“For me, he’s not world class. World class, for me, is someone who gets in every single side in the world and he doesn’t do that.
“I don’t think he gets in Man City’s side ahead of Rodri, I know Toni Kroos is retiring but for me he’s world class because he dictates the game, Rodri dictates the games – I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
“He’s not someone who plays on the half-turn and plays passes forward.”
Asked if Rice is a different type of player, McClean said: “They play the same role. They play the same role so why can’t they do the same things?
“If you’re going to give him this much hype and reputation then surely he should be able to do what they do by playing on the half-turn, playing passes forward and dictating play but I don’t think he does that.
“He’s good at what he does – he sees danger and puts out fires, but for the hype that’s around him I don’t think it’s justified.”
2
Rice spent his upbringing representing the Republic Of Ireland and even made three senior appearances for the Boys In Green before switching allegiance to England.
Since then, the midfielder has won 52 caps for the Three Lions, leading fans to suggest that Ireland man McClean might just be suffering from sour grapes.
One supporter on social media said: “Dare I say he hasn’t watched him much for Arsenal this season.”
A second fan said: “Another Irishman with an axe to grind because Rice chose England?”
“Literally the second best DM in the world behind Rodri, that’s just sour grapes from McClean because he screwed us over to join England five years ago,” wrote a third.
Another wrote: “Pep tried to sign him so he clearly gets into the City side. In the deep midfielder role he’s top 3 in the prem, I’d say that would translate.across leagues as well, the definition of world class.”
Meanwhile a fifth fan said: “Yeah, he only almost singlehandedly turned Arsenal into Premier League Champions… but yeah, he’s ‘overrated’…”
talkSPORT BET Euro 2024 Offers
Offer 1: Completely free £5 bet for Euro 2024 – No Deposit Needed
18+ New customers only. Opt in, get £5 free bet on selected markets. Available for first 5000 customers only. Bonus expires in 24h after registration. T&Cs apply, GambleAware.org Please gamble responsibly
Offer 2: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly