Steve Nicol says one Arsenal player has been so ‘sluggish’ this season, ‘he’s not fit’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have got off to the best possible start in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, the Gunners have taken six points from two games and they’ve kept two clean sheets in the process.

However, as always, there is room for criticism.

Max Dowman is a young star, but Dowman has already been criticised for diving, while Viktor Gyokeres received a heap of criticism after his debut vs Manchester United.

Speaking on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, Steve Nicol has been discussing the Gunners’ start to the season, and made a point about Declan Rice and how he’s been playing this term.

Nicol claimed that Rice has looked sluggish so far this season, theorising that the England star may not be fully fit to start this campaign.

Declan Rice isn’t fully fit

Nicol shared his verdict on Rice and how he’s been playing this season.

The pundit stated that he doesn’t think Rice is fully fit, but he said that when he is fit and firing, he is a world class talent.

“He didn’t look 100% fit to me so far this season. I think he’s looked sluggish. He was sluggish against United and probably he’s not fit. I mean, you’re not taking Declan Rice off when you’re when you’re holding on to a lead at Old Trafford with 10 minutes to go if he’s 100% fit. I think I think that was clear. So, I don’t think he’s 100% yet. He’s not as sharp as he would like to be, but yeah, when he’s he’s at his best, he’s world class,” Nicol said.

Declan Rice’s stats so far this season

Nicol has criticised Rice for his performances so far this season, claiming that he looks sluggish.

That does stand up when you look at the stats, as Rice’s defensive output this season has fallen off a cliff so far.

Of course, we’re only two games in, but the fact that Rice hasn’t made a tackle or an interception yet this season is startling.

Arsenal may face more defensive pressures against Liverpool this weekend, and Rice really needs to step up if that does prove to be the case.