Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has identified the major weakness Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice needs to address to become almost impossible for opponents to contain.
Rice delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday as Arsenal defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, securing their first Premier League victory at the stadium since 2012.
The England international played a decisive role in the encounter, providing the assist for Kai Havertz’s winning goal in the 16th minute.
Rice demonstrated his strength and pace by bursting past Noni Madueke on the right flank before driving into the penalty area and delivering a low cross across the six-yard box. Havertz was perfectly positioned at the far post to turn the ball into the net.
The victory moved Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes praised Rice’s powerful attacking run, comparing the midfielder’s physical qualities to those of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
“What he did yesterday where he powered, you can’t stay with that. Probably a little bit Steven Gerrard-like,” Scholes said.
However, the former Manchester United midfielder believes Rice could become an even more dangerous player if he improves his decision-making and reduces the number of touches he takes in midfield.
Scholes argued that the Arsenal star sometimes slows down his team’s attacking movements by holding on to the ball for too long instead of moving it quickly and making forward runs.
“My only thing with Declan Rice, I still think he takes too many touches for a midfield player. If he decides to just play one and two touch and run, he’d be virtually unplayable. Almost in a Steven Gerrard type of way,” he added.
Scholes further explained that Rice’s ability to combine quick passing with his powerful runs would make him extremely difficult for opposition midfielders to stop.
“It’s once he starts strutting in the middle of the pitch and taking too many touches. One, two touch, run. You will never stay with him. You’ll never be able to live with him. And he started to do that a little bit more, because I thought he was brilliant yesterday, brilliant run and a great pass as well.”
Despite his criticism, Scholes acknowledged Rice’s impressive contribution against Liverpool, particularly his movement and quality of delivery for Havertz’s goal.
Rice has also enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League campaign, currently leading the competition’s assist chart with five assists in nine appearances.