Wrexham midfielder James McClean has now fired shots at one Arsenal star and claimed he’s overrated.
James McClean is a player who often divides opinion in the footballing world due to his political beliefs, with many English fans lambasting his refusal to wear a poppy.
For Wrexham, though, McClean has transformed into a heroic figure since arriving from Wigan Athletic in August last year.
The 35-year-old earned a one-year extension at the Racecourse Ground as his performances helped Wrexham achieve promotion, producing three goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances.
Whether he’s tasked to play as a left wing-back or central midfield, McClean’s impact on Phil Parkinson’s system has been pivotal, with the veteran now moving back into contention for an international call-up.
The 104-cap Republic of Ireland star has gone viral on the pitch at Wrexham, although it’s no surprise to see him make the headlines outside of football, this time for his comments on one Arsenal player.
James McClean labels Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as ‘overrated’
Declan Rice had a fantastic first campaign at Arsenal after making his £105m switch from West Ham United in the summer.
The midfield machine very nearly helped inspire the Gunners to a Premier League title, missing out to Manchester City by just two points.
Rice is now starring for England at Euro 2024 and heaps of praise flooded in for him after the Three Lions secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Serbia.
Many would agree that the 25-year-old has propelled himself into the world-class category, although Wrexham’s McClean doesn’t agree, claiming he’s “overrated” and the praise for him is “over the top”.
Speaking on RTE’s coverage of Euro 2024, McClean said: “I think Declan Rice is 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. To me Toni Kroos is world-class, he dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.”
James McClean dividing opinion once more
A player who performs consistently well on the biggest stage is world-class. For England and Arsenal, Rice has done that in recent times and deserves to be waxed lyrical over his displays.
Of course, McClean doesn’t agree and his comments have caused widespread backlash, and perhaps rightly so.
However, his views on the player would have almost certainly been different if Rice hadn’t switched from the Republic of Ireland to England in 2019, pledging his future to the Three Lions.
Many questioned that decision at the time as it would have been easier for the Arsenal midfielder to break into the ROI side, though he knew he had the world-class quality to become a regular for England, and it’s a decision that had paid off.
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