A football legend has sparked controversy with his scathing assessment of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, calling him a "steady Eddie" rather than a world-class player.
Graeme Souness, a former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder, made the comments in a recent interview, suggesting that Rice lacks the skill and vision of top-class midfielders like Manchester City's Rodri.
"Elliot Anderson is very young, so he's got a chance to get better, but Declan won't get any better," Souness said. "You're looking at as good as you're going to get at 27. I don't see enough football in the two of them. I see them as players who recycle the ball but I don't see them hurting opponents enough."
Souness went on to compare Rice unfavorably to Rodri, who he described as a "proper midfielder" who can control the tempo of the game with his passing and vision.
"I think these two lads are limited. Declan Rice for me is limited. You hear people talk about Rice and say he's a world-class footballer... I think he might be a centre-half," Souness said.
However, Souness' comments were quickly challenged by Chelsea legend John Terry, who defended Rice's abilities and praised his role in the England midfield.
"I disagree actually. I'm in the Declan Rice camp, I do think he's world-class," Terry said.
Rice has been a key player for Arsenal and England this season, helping the Gunners win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. However, he has struggled with fitness issues in the World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play in England's third-place play-off against France on Saturday.
Reigning champions Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, after knocking out tournament favourites France.
