11 Sep 2019 11:13:00
It is so strange that folk can have such conflicting opinions about a player’s performance! Obviously, WH fans look for the good and will be accused of rose tinted specs, but others will jump on any possible error or howl about any pass that isn’t forward.
For me, Rice has had two very solid games in the past few days. His match stats have been positive and his positioning is always effective.
It is also true that playing immediately in front of the back four isn’t glamorous - spectators rarely follow a player off the ball.
I spent much of last night’s game watching Rice when he wasn’t in possession. He is constantly monitoring and shepherding in the defensive third, but the thing that struck me most was his arms - he directs the play, showing others the easy pass. At times he looks like a conductor.
He is remarkably mature in his game management and will serve England well for years.
Let’s just hope he stays with us too.


1.) 11 Sep 2019
11 Sep 2019 13:46:45
Well said Mark it's always the big club fans who run down other clubs playets

I first watched Declan 3 years ago when he was captain of the U23s and it was clear how he directs players.

At u23 ges its much easier to listen to what is being said 0n the Pich I well remember a game against Wycombe where he was shouting at James Coins and was telling Trott to pick his ge up.

I thought then that he was a Captain on the making and nothing has changed my mind His aboty to to take a pass and lay it off quickly and to be in the right position is outstanding.


2.) 12 Sep 2019
12 Sep 2019 13:46:22
From what i saw he made just one mistake, albeit a big one for one of their goals.
Could it have been a bit of complacency creeping in when 5-1 up? To be honest, at international level players should not show complacency, and need to be on it 100% of the time. But if complacency is going to happen, then I would only accept it coming from the younger players (who still have to learn this aspect with more experience) AND in games when we are WAY ahead. Both were true for Dec as we were 5-1 up and he is 20 playing in just his 3rd game! ENG fans need to give the kid a break and support him, be proud we have someone who could genuinely develop into a world class DM for the national team.
The only downside i see is that Dier was criticised for slowing play down too much, which ultimately meant Henderson and then Dec replaced him in CDM. Dec is a CB by trade, and this part of his game will only get better with more games. And to be fair, he is ALREADY better at it than Eric Dier was! Ultimately, against the TOP International teams, his DEFENSIVE contributions in breaking up play are going to be what enable England to compete against these top sides.