Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice could become virtually unplayable if he improves one aspect of his game.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes admitted he had previously been critical of Rice but praised his physical qualities and compared his playing style to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The former England international suggested that Rice could become considerably more effective by moving the ball quicker, having been impressed by his contribution to Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
“I’ve probably been a little bit critical of Declan over the years,” Scholes admitted. “My only thing with Declan Rice, I still think he takes too many touches for a midfield player.
“If he decides to just play one and two touch and run, he’d be virtually unplayable. Almost in a Steven Gerrard type of way.”
Scholes believes Rice possesses the physical attributes to dominate opponents when he combines quick passing with powerful forward runs.
However, the former Manchester United midfielder remains concerned about Rice’s tendency to retain possession for too long in central areas.
He argued that reducing the number of touches he takes would allow the Arsenal star to exploit his athleticism more effectively.
Scholes pointed to Rice’s performance against Liverpool as an example of the qualities he wants to see more consistently.
The England international produced a powerful run before delivering the cross that allowed Kai Havertz to score the winning goal at Anfield.
Scholes was particularly impressed by Rice’s ability to accelerate into space and create an opportunity through his movement and delivery.
“I thought it was a brilliant run yesterday and a great pass,” he said.
The 50-year-old also highlighted Rice’s goal against Bayern Munich in Arsenal’s recent 2-2 Champions League draw as another example of his attacking potential.
“I loved his goal against Bayern Munich a couple of weeks ago. That is brilliant. That’s what he should be doing more of,” Scholes explained.
He suggested that Rice’s physique and powerful running were reminiscent of Gerrard, who regularly influenced matches through his ability to drive forward from midfield.
Scholes nevertheless maintained that the Arsenal midfielder could become even more difficult to contain by simplifying his passing and movement.
He also acknowledged that Rice had already started showing signs of making those adjustments.
His assessment represents considerable praise for the Arsenal star, particularly given his previous reservations about aspects of the midfielder’s game.
For Scholes, Rice already possesses the qualities required to trouble virtually any opponent, but quicker decision-making in possession could take him to another level.