Glenn Hoddle and Paul Scholes in full agreement with Gary Neville over Declan Rice debate at Arsenal

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been the topic of discussion between some high-profile pundits.

The Englishman’s £105m price tag was not questioned last season, as his quality shone consistently throughout his debut campaign in North London.

Things have been slightly different for the midfielder this term, with some question marks over several performances from the opening tests of the 2024/25 calendar.

After excelling against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta will be eager to see Rice push on to reach the levels he did in his first year.

• READ MORE: Arsenal ace Declan Rice’s life outside of football from his girlfriend to height

Gary Neville debates Declan Rice’s best position at Arsenal

A lot of questions over Rice’s form this season have focused on the role that Arteta is asking of the former West Ham captain.

The midfielder has been deployed on the left side of central midfield, playing ahead of Thomas Partey, who has assumed the number six position for the most part.

While some Arsenal fans wish to see Rice utilised in the deeper role, pundit Gary Neville doesn’t agree, as he analysed the Englishman’s profile on the Stick To Football podcast.

To start the debate, Roy Keane said, “You don’t think Rice is a sitting midfielder do you?”

“I don’t see him receiving the ball on the half turn, I think he’s better off facing the game. Running onto things, pressurising and being higher. That’s where Arsenal used him at the end of last season. I think that position is so important,” Neville replied.

The Manchester United icon’s opinion was shared by Paul Scholes and Glenn Hoddle, who backed Rice in playing the role in Thomas Tuchel’s England XI.

“I think Rice can do it,” Scholes said, with Hoddle agreeing, “I do.”

Rice was back to his best against Liverpool

Rice had his best performance of the season against Liverpool according to journalist Charles Watts, whose assessment was not argued by many.

It’s no coincidence that upon returning to the deeper role in midfield, Rice excelled, which only widens the debate over what the Englishman’s best position is.

• READ MORE: Roy Keane left absolutely stunned by what ‘unbelievable’ Declan Rice did in frustrating Liverpool draw

The Arsenal star himself makes the discussion even harder to conclude as when played more advanced for England, he thrives as an asset capable of contributing to the goals.

At the Emirates, it’s arguable that the former West Ham captain ticks better when protecting the back four in Arteta’s system.

What is for sure is that Arteta saw Rice’s best performance of the campaign against Liverpool, which should prompt the manager to hand his prized possession some continuity.