Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Gary Neville is arguably more famous for his punditry career than he was for his playing career.
That is despite winning 12 Premier League titles and playing over 600 games for Manchester United. It just goes to show how central the media is to football now, particularly in England. Since hanging up his boots in 2011, Neville has essentially become the face of Sky Sports coverage, or the voice of it.
The former right-back certainly doesn’t shy away from expressing his opinion and backing it to the hilt — something Arsenal fans know especially well. So when Neville was asked by David Ornstein in a YouTube feature with The Athletic which current player he thinks will make the next great pundit, his answer was worth listening to.
“The people who’ve got the ability to make the next great pundit — if they want to, by the way, and some of these lads don’t want to… Declan Rice, if he wants to. For me, Maddison, Rice, Henderson I think, could be a solid pundit.”
Declan Rice may not be the most obvious choice, but as a confident, outgoing personality with experience at the very top level — and now a Premier League winners’ medal — it makes complete sense. Maybe that’s why Graeme Souness is always banging on about him — he’s worried he’ll take his job.
TalkingPoints graphic of Arsenal player Declan Rice, overlaid with a quote from Graeme Souness
TalkingPoints graphic of Arsenal player Declan Rice, overlaid with a quote from Graeme Souness
On a serious note, the Arsenal midfielder has consistently impressed in interviews and press conferences with his articulacy, his tactical awareness and his willingness to speak honestly about the game. He is also said to keep a close eye on the more analytical side of the game including stats and data.
Having worked under the meticulous Mikel Arteta, as well as other great football minds like Thomas Tuchel and David Moyes, he’d bring knowledge and insight in abundance.
Like Neville says, whether he would actually want to pursue that path after his playing career is another matter. He might be more keen on going the coaching route, but he does come across as someone who would transition well to the media side of the sport.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Arsenal now interested in signing England international Bukayo Saka loves playing with
Arsenal now interested in signing England international Bukayo Saka loves playing with
Gary Neville admits comments on former Arsenal player are his biggest regret as a pundit
Gary Neville admits comments on former Arsenal player are his biggest regret as a pundit
Andy Burnham responds when asked if Man City should be stripped of titles amid potential Arsenal award
Andy Burnham responds when asked if Man City should be stripped of titles amid potential Arsenal award
Attacker Arsenal sold for £20m reckons he’d be worth £125m today
Attacker Arsenal sold for £20m reckons he’d be worth £125m today
Forget Viktor Gyokeres, another Arsenal player has a point to prove during the international break
Forget Viktor Gyokeres, another Arsenal player has a point to prove during the international break