Declan Rice: Souness Highlights Key Area For Improvement To Become World-Class

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Souness's Critique: The Need for More Goals and Creativity

Graeme Souness, a midfield maestro in his own right, believes Declan Rice's defensive capabilities are already exceptional. He’s a midfield general, consistently winning back possession and dictating the tempo of the game. However, Souness has highlighted the need for Rice to contribute more significantly in the attacking third to reach the next level. His current skillset is impressive, but to join the elite bracket of midfielders, he needs to add another dimension.

• Souness suggests Rice needs to improve his goal-scoring ability. He should look to get into more dangerous positions in the box, exploiting spaces and making late runs. Currently, his goalscoring record doesn't reflect the all-around prowess he demonstrates.
• Creativity in the final third is another area for improvement. More assists and key passes are needed to maximize his impact on the game. While he's adept at distributing the ball, developing a sharper eye for a killer pass or a deft through ball could significantly enhance his attacking output. Declan Rice's passing accuracy is already high, but the final ball needs that extra creativity.
• Souness emphasizes that becoming a complete midfielder involves contributing offensively as well as defensively. The best midfielders in the world are not just defensive stalwarts; they're also influential in creating and scoring goals. Think of players like Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes – their attacking contributions are just as vital as their defensive work.

This criticism isn't about Rice being a poor attacking player, but rather a push for him to reach elite levels. In the 2022-2023 season, he scored only 4 goals and provided 4 assists in all competitions – a respectable tally, but not one that reflects a truly world-class midfielder. Comparing his statistics to those of top midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne (who consistently contributes double-digit goals and assists) highlights the room for improvement.

Tactical Adaptations: How Rice Can Improve his Offensive Game

To address Souness's concerns, Rice needs to adapt his game strategically, incorporating more attacking intent into his play. This doesn't mean abandoning his defensive responsibilities, but rather finding a balance between the two.

• Late runs into the box: He should time his runs into the penalty area better, aiming to arrive unmarked for shots or headers. This requires studying opponent positioning and anticipating the flow of play.
• Improving shooting technique: Consistent practice and honing his shot power and accuracy are vital. This involves working on different types of shots – powerful strikes from distance, precise shots inside the box, and even dinks over the keeper.
• Developing creative passing: Working on his through balls, key passes, and ability to unlock defenses with his passing range will be crucial. This includes improving his vision and weighting passes to exploit gaps in the opposition's defense.
• Increased risk-taking: He should be encouraged to take more risks in the final third, trusting his instincts and making more ambitious plays. Sometimes, a well-timed, ambitious pass or shot can be the difference between a win and a draw.

Analyzing his past games, there are instances where a more attacking decision might have yielded a better outcome. For example, occasions where he opted for a safer, sideways pass instead of a riskier through ball that could have created a clear scoring opportunity. The role of his manager in providing attacking freedom and tactical flexibility will also be critical in fostering this development.

Mentality and Confidence: The Crucial Psychological Aspect

Confidence is key for any player aiming for the highest level, and Declan Rice is no exception. His defensive assurance needs to translate into attacking confidence.

• Rice needs to believe in his ability to score and create chances. A positive self-image is vital for taking risks and making decisive plays in the final third.
• The manager needs to foster this confidence, giving Rice opportunities to express his attacking potential and trust his instincts without fear of reprisal for an occasional mistake.
• Focusing on the positive aspects of his attacking game (even small successes) will help him build momentum and create a positive feedback loop, increasing his self-belief.

This aspect involves mental coaching techniques that can help him overcome any self-doubt and fully embrace the attacking side of his game. Visualization exercises, positive self-talk, and focusing on past successes can contribute to a more confident and decisive approach in the final third.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Declan Rice

Declan Rice possesses the potential to be one of the world's best midfielders, but as Graeme Souness points out, improving his attacking contributions is crucial for reaching that level. By focusing on his goal-scoring ability, creative passing, and cultivating a more assertive attacking mentality, Rice can overcome this challenge and fulfill his immense potential. The road to becoming a world-class player requires dedication and refinement of all aspects of the game, and addressing Souness’s critique will be a vital step in Rice's ongoing development. Let's see how Declan Rice responds to this challenge and continues to impress in the world of football. Keep an eye on Declan Rice's progress to witness the evolution of a truly exceptional player.