Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane has criticised West Ham star Declan Rice’s recent form and has outlined a number of areas where the 20-year-old needs to improve.
Speaking ahead of England’s 4-0 win over Kosovo last night, the TV pundit pulled no punches when analysing the deficiencies in the Hammers star’s game:
“Where he needs to improve, where do you want me to start? His positional play, I don’t think he’s been consistent enough, he doesn’t stay with runners, he’s sloppy in possession, I can go on.”
“He’s one of these players who people were enjoying and loved but he’s one of these players that has almost played his way out of the team because he’s not been consistent at West Ham.”
Supporters on Twitter think Keane is being very harsh on Rice with many believing the midfielder’s decision to switch allegiance from Ireland to England may be behind the heavy criticism:
Roy who!!! He’s the most miserable and negatine pundit ever why he’s on there I’ll never know ?Well done Declan ??⚒
— Gerry chamberlain (@Gerrychamberla8) November 17, 2019
A bitter little man that can’t accept Rice’s decision to opt for England & challenge for trophies over a career of mediocrity with Ireland…
— Newham Pele (@Hammer177580769) November 17, 2019
Solid, 100% pass rate, a key pass for first and third goal, goal saving tackle. Positioning and awareness defending set pieces needs to improve. I doubt Declan needs me to tell him though!
— Argheffbee (@54bobb) November 17, 2019
Seems to of been fairly widely criticised. Unfairly in my opinion but I am biased. Just needs to keep his head down and keep progressing!
— Tom Wain (@waino57) November 17, 2019
He wasn't all that and I for one, wouldn't bother biting any speel that keane like to speel!
— Jon Smith (@JazzFunkE13) November 17, 2019
Roy Keane is on there to cause havoc
Its clear he's bitter Rice chose England
Love Keane in there he livens it up the blokes tapped
— Craig ⚒ Jackman (@75_chicoIron) November 17, 2019
Involved in the build up for 2 goals and kept a clean sheet, for a player low on confidence he did a decent job!
— cobblarr! ⚒ (@andrewcobb20) November 17, 2019
People who actually know their football knows what Declan brings to the game.
— Alfiepgower (@alfiepgower) November 17, 2019
Rice looked pretty solid against Kosovo, and while it’s fair to say that the midfielder isn’t at the top of his game at the moment, he certainly was by no means the worse performer on the pitch.
Every young player goes through peaks and troughs in form and the England international will be looking to come through the other side of this dip a better player.
