Clarence Seedorf is one of the greatest midfielders football has ever seen.
The Dutchman won five Champions League titles as a player, and he knows everything there is to know about being an elite midfielder.
Arsenal have a few excellent midfielders as well, but none better than Declan Rice.
Seedorf, however, has noticed a problem with the England international and has offered some advice for him.
🤔 Is Declan Rice a number six or a number eight?
Clarence Seedorf says Declan Rice is a bit ‘timid’ in midfield
Rice is a world-class midfielder.
The Englishman, who was voted as Arsenal’s best player in the 2025/26 season, has barely put a foot wrong in the famous red and white since he joined the club in 2023.
Everyone feels Rice is a really complete player who can do it all in the middle of the park.
However, Seedorf believes he just does not take games by the scruff of their neck – as Jude Bellingham does for Real Madrid and England.
The Dutch icon said on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “I would like to see Rice step up a little bit more. Go and get the balls a little bit more. He has it!
“Go a little bit deeper, closer to get the balls from the defence and start the build-ups. I think he’s a bit timid as well sometimes. I think it’s his character. I would like to add some elements of Bellingham in his personality, if you know what I mean.
“‘Okay, give me the ball’. Go and get the ball. Send people away. You know, he’s a key midfielder. He was a key midfielder during the season for Arsenal this season and the last season as well. I think he also will grow.
“I’m saying this in a good way. I like how he plays generally. And sometimes, these types of players, that timid part of them…
“Okay, now you get the ball, or you take the shot, or no, go and try and do your thing. Take the game! You’re your central midfielder. This is your game.”
Fill the blanks: The year is 2030 and Declan Rice is now worth £____.
Clarence Seedorf is not wrong about Declan Rice
Rice is absolutely incredible, but he is still capable of so much more.
The Englishman has shown that he can score from distance – from open play and set-pieces – but he doesn’t do it enough in games.
Despite that, Rice is on another level compared to most other midfielders, which shows just how incredible he really is.
But, we think Rice should take in Seedorf’s advice in a positive way as it will make him even better.
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