A former Premier League winger has now taken aim at one Arsenal star who he says can’t live up to the “hype.”
One Arsenal star has now been told that he would not make the grade at Manchester City.
Of course, competition for places in the Manchester City starting XI is fierce, and Pep Guardiola regularly names elite level players on the bench. However, a number of the Gunners’ top talents would fancy their chances of being key figures for the Cityzens too, were they to switch to the Etihad Stadium.
As far as former Sunderland, Wigan, Stoke, and West Brom star James McClean is concerned, though, one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted players would not have what it takes to make himself a regular starter for the reigning Premier League champions.
James McClean takes aim at Arsenal star Declan Rice
McClean did not hold back when offering his opinion on Declan Rice.
Criticising the England star is a rather unconventional stance to take within the media. The press heaped praise on Rice for his recent performance against Serbia at Euro 2024, and he was lauded throughout the domestic campaign for his performances for the North London club.
Since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium last summer, the 25-year-old has been a revelation. Rice was a real contender for the Premier League player of the season award, and has already established himself as a star name for Arsenal.
He has also taken his game to new heights since joining the club. Arteta encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role than he has ever played before in his career. This move was rewarded with Rice proving that he can be a difference-maker at both ends of the pitch, as he recorded a career-best return in front of goal last season.
However, Rice still has plenty to do if he wants to convince McClean of his elite credentials.
Speaking on RTE, the Wrexham winger said: “I feel Declan Rice is very overrated…Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.
“For me, he’s not world class. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that…I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri…Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
“He’s not someone who is going get on the half turn and play passes forward. He is very good at what he does…He sees danger and puts out fires, but for the hype that surrounds him, I don’t think it’s justified.”
Rice has already proven his world-class quality for Arsenal and England
In truth, Rice has already lived up to the hype, regardless of what McClean says. The midfielder has lived up to the enormous fee Arsenal paid to secure his services, and is arguably England’s most important player at Euro 2024.
Arsenal are now seeking to rebuild their midfield unit around Rice in this summer transfer window. He is set to be a lynchpin in the heart of Arteta’s team for years to come.