Former England captain Stuart Pearce has urged Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to 'do more' for club and country, despite being a huge admirer of his talents. Rice enjoyed a stellar season with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title and narrowly missing out on Champions League glory in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old is set to be a key figure for England at the upcoming World Cup, serving as vice-captain under Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel's praise for Rice
Thomas Tuchel was effusive in his praise for Rice when explaining his decision to make him vice-captain. 'When Harry was not in camp and didn't play against Wales, we had the choice and it was a very quick one, and very obvious one, to give it to Declan,' Tuchel said. 'He's on the highest football IQ, he takes care about formation, he takes care about our structure and the adaptation. I think he has had an outstanding two seasons in his personal career with Arsenal. In the last two years, he has been one of the main players in Europe and in the Champions League. One of the very best midfielders in Europe at the moment, full of confidence and that's why he's my vice captain.'
Pearce's challenge
Stuart Pearce, who coached Rice during his time at West Ham, agrees with Tuchel's assessment but believes Rice can be even more influential. 'With Dec, you think he could win a game on his own, because of his physical prowess, his ability on the ball, and you're thinking: "Maybe [he could do] a little bit more",' Pearce told the Daily Mail. 'I probably thought the same, back in the day at West Ham, but you don't say that about many players.'
Pearce specifically suggested Rice should assert himself over free-kicks, recalling two stunning goals against Real Madrid last season. 'I was renowned for taking free-kicks and I saw Dec score two wonder free-kicks against Real Madrid. I've barely seen him take one since. Like Dec, I could score from free-kicks and if I were him I'd be saying to my team-mates "Get out of my way. I'm taking this and I'm taking all of them, unless you can do better than me." '
Keane's earlier criticism and later praise
Roy Keane had earlier called on Rice to show more leadership after a defeat to Bournemouth in April. 'This is where Rice has to show a bit more leadership skills, I know he's doing his best out on the pitch but he's got to get hold of people,' Keane said on Sky Sports. 'That was a nervous performance, but if you're going to play top level sport…it's ok being nervous, it's how you deal with it. It's your decision making and body language from certain players. People like Rice, we're talking about leadership skills, they've got to get a grip of people.'
However, a month later, Keane acknowledged Rice's improvement. 'Without a doubt, he has stepped up to the plate. Obviously I have had question marks over Declan – there is no doubting his quality but in terms of his leadership skills… But certainly over the last few weeks, even the reaction after the setback with the Man City game, he has stepped up to another level and that is what you want from your big players. He has certainly done that.'
With the World Cup approaching, Rice will look to answer his critics and lead England's charge in midfield.
