Pundit, Danny Murphy has stated on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents Five’ YouTube channel, that West Ham’s Declan Rice would is ‘restricted’ as a holding midfielder.
The 23-year-old has spent the majority of his career playing in that role, he’s also played as a centre-back in the past.
Rice is currently at the World Cup with England. He’s impressed so far with just how tidy he’s been on the ball for the Three Lions, over the tournament, the midfielder has a 94% pass accuracy. In addition, he’s averaged two interceptions per game, demonstrating his ability to read the game (Sofascore).
Murphy stated (26:00), “West Ham, they’re not a possession-based team. He has to sit in more because the other fella, Soucek bombs on and goes forward.
“He’s restricted, on the occasion when West Ham are desperate and you see him bursting forward and trying to make things out in the last 10/20 minutes of games. It’s an unbelievable sight the way it goes past people.
“He’s got those little give and go’s around a box. He’ll get double-figure goals. I don’t think someone should be buying him as a holding midfielder. And speaking to him, I don’t think he wants to play there long term.”
TIF’s view on Murphy’s comments…
We believe that it’s probably unlikely that West Ham will deploy Rice further up the field, in a more attacking midfield role.
However, there has been talk of Rice leaving the club. Fabrizio Romano shared a video from Football Daily on Twitter, where the player hinted at a desire to play in the Champions League. Perhaps another club may look at the possibility of playing Rice in a more attacking midfield role.
When you look at his stats, the 23-year-old could find it difficult to shake off that stigma, should he want to no longer play as a holding midfielder. Rice is in the top 5% for pass completion and the top 8% for interceptions (FBref).
The ability to distribute the ball effectively whilst also being able to win the ball back is something you want from any holding midfielder. So, should a club come in for Rice, it’s likely they’ll want to play him in that position.