Kevin Nolan has expressed his disbelief at comments he has heard from one pundit in recent days concerning one Arsenal star, insisting that the Gunners player actually reminds him of Steven Gerrard.
Arsenal appear to be getting closer and closer to winning the Premier League for the first time in over two decades, having pushed Manchester City all the way last season.
Of course, for many, one of the key moments from the previous campaign was the moment Declan Rice signed in a club-record deal, with Rice handling the pressure of that tag impeccably.
He is arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mikel Arteta, proving to be invaluable whether he is playing as a holding midfielder or more of a number eight. But following his performance for England against Denmark earlier this week, the 25-year-old came in for some bizarre criticism.
Kevin Nolan reacts to James McClean’s criticism of Declan Rice
James McClean accused Rice of being very overrated, while he insisted that the former West Ham man would not actually start for Manchester City.
Kevin Nolan worked with Rice at the London Stadium, and speaking on the No Tippy Tippy Football Podcast, he suggested that he had been stunned by the comments.
“James McClean, do me a favour. Knowing Dec, that would have just made him laugh. Don’t get me wrong, he didn’t have his best game in an England jersey, but that’s one in about 60. He’s had one bad game in 60 for England. I thought he was brilliant every time I’ve watched him,” he said.
“I can’t believe he said that, and had the cojones to actually say that, because Declan Rice is one of the best in the world at what he does.
“He’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Steven Gerrard. So I’ve played with Steven Gerrard, against Steven Gerrard for years and years, and he literally was the best.
“Dec is the closest thing, specimen wise, one minute you see him, one minute he’s gone. He could play the higher role as he’s showed at Arsenal at times this season, he could play the lower role. He’s got a helluva strike, he can play.”
Arsenal star continues to get better and better
Of course, McClean will probably argue that if everyone rates Rice so highly, he is entitled to claim that he is overrated, but it really appears to be a very strange take from the former Republic of Ireland international.
Rice has stepped up year after year, going from a young centre-back prospect at West Ham and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best in the middle of the park – in an era where central midfielders are so important.