James McClean: Declan Rice is overhyped and overrated

The RTÉ pundit says the English media have gone way over the top about the Arsenal midfielder.

Wed, 19 Jun, 2024 - 17:03

Cian Locke

James McClean believes England's midfield linchpin Declan Rice is overhyped and overrated.

Speaking during RTÉ Euro 2024 coverage, McClean feels former Ireland international Rice cannot be described as world class, given some of the gaps in his skillset as a midfielder.

McClean said: "I think Declan Rice is overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.

"For me, he’s not world class. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that. I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world class, He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.

"Someone who gets it on the half turn, plays passes forward. He’s very good at what he does..."

It was put to McClean that Rice is simply a different type of player to Rodri or Kroos.

"They play the same role so why can’t they do the same things? If you’re going to give him this much hype and reputation, surely he should be able to do what they do.

"He sees danger and he puts out fires, but for the hype that surrounds him I don't think it’s justified."

McClean's former Ireland teammate Kevin Doyle shares McClean's view.

"A poor man’s Roy Keane. Similar style of play without his intensity and aggression."