Declan Rice might be one of the world’s top midfielders but a man who knows a thing or two about playing in the middle, Roy Keane, has demanded more of the Arsenal man.
Rice watched on in despair at the weekend as he was among a number of players who failed to deliver against the Cherries.
The England man has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season and right now, they need him more than ever.
And according to Roy Keane, Rice now needs to step up and if needs be, ruffle a few feathers.
What did you think of Declan Rice being made Arsenal captain instead of Gabriel Magalhaes vs Bournemouth?
Roy Keane’s message to Declan Rice to help Arsenal win the title
Roy Keane knows how to win. He was a key man and captain for United as they won seven titles during his time at the club.
Now, though, Keane has noticed something with Rice and Arsenal and has called on the midfielder to step up further.
“They did against Bournemouth [over complicate things]. But there are certain games where you’re on the back of a tough game and Bournemouth are at it, you’ve got to smell these things,” Keane said on Sky.
“And people like Declan Rice, we’re talking about leadership skills, need to get a grip of people. A lot of the feedback the last few days, and people are looking at Mikel Arteta, the fans are nervous, no this is on the players. The fans can’t do it for you, the manager can only do so much. He’s put a brilliant squad together, you’ve got yourself in a great position.
“Don’t let this slip.”
Declan Rice is among a number of Gunners who need to step up
Keane makes a good point on Rice here. In further comments later in the show, he suggested it was ok for Rice to actually call people out and upset his teammates if needs be.
Keane is right as well.
Now is not the time to shirk and hide from the big moments.
However, it is not just Declan Rice who needs to deliver more. The likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – when he’s back – need to step up to the plate, while players like Gabriel and William Saliba need to get back to their very mean best.
This title is still there for Arsenal to win but it rests on them and their attitude.
Rice is key to that attitude shift and if he can perform as he has done for the majority of the season, then Arsenal might just end up as champions.
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