Paul Scholes says Arsenal have a player with tons of ability, but he just isn’t using it

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Paul Scholes hasn’t liked what he’s seen from one Arsenal player so far this season.

Arsenal’s draw against Manchester City generated a lot of mixed feelings, with Mikel Arteta’s selection questioned yet again.

There are consistent questions asked about the Arsenal manager’s conservative approach in bigger games, but it’s not the root of all problems.

Aside from selection queries, there’s a feeling that several members of the squad simply haven’t started the season well, one of whom is Declan Rice.

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Paul Scholes says Declan Rice isn’t playing to the best of his ability

Arsenal fans haven’t been impressed with Rice, with the midfielder being a talking point after the draw against Man City.

Supporters aren’t the only ones to have a problem with the level that the 26-year-old is performing at, as Paul Scholes has drawn attention to Rice.

The Manchester United icon explained what the England international is doing wrong at the moment for Arsenal.

“I think he’s got a lot of ability. I think it takes too many touches of the football,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

The pundit went as far as to accuse Rice of doing something that, he believes, is no use to anyone.

“He does all the stud rolling as well. The little stud roll to make yourself look good and it doesn’t achieve anything.

“He has got every attribute to be a top box-to-box midfielder, as you say. He doesn’t use it.”

In some way, it was anticipated that Rice could undergo a period of change, as Arsenal’s midfield was transformed in the summer. 

Rice has been impacted by Martin Zubimendi

Rice’s partner in the engine room last season left in the summer, opening the door for Martin Zubimendi to join the squad. 

As expected, Rice and Zubimendi haven’t completely gelled yet on the pitch, which is becoming noticeable through the changes to the Englishman’s game. 

It wasn’t just against Man City that Arsenal’s midfield came under fire, but in the Champions League too.

Rice and Zubimendi’s struggles against Athletic Club were noticed, signalling that the adaptation period is far from over in the middle of the park.

Fans will hope that things balance out sooner rather than later, as Rice’s quality accounted for 19 goals last term, scoring nine and assisting ten in all competitions.