Former England international Danny Mills says he disagrees with West Ham manager David Moyes’ assessment that midfielder Declan Rice needs to add more goals to his game.
The 21-year-old scored in England’s 4-0 win over Iceland earlier this week, but Mills says Rice should be looking to emulate players like N’Golo Kante and Claude Makelele, who focused on their roles as holding midfielders:
“Adding goals to his game is not that important. I don’t think any coach, any manager is looking at and think ‘I’m not going to buy Declan Rice because he’s not scored enough goals.’ Look at N’Golo Kante, Claude Makelele, you can even go as far back as David Batty, these holding midfielders didn’t score goals. It’s not their job, it’s not what they’re in the team to do. If he ever scores it’s a massive bonus but it’s not what you expect from him.”
As Mills explains, Rice’s strengths are not in the final third of the pitch, and there is no need for him to focus on improving that part of his game, although he has shown he is capable with both his head and feet in front of goal.
The England international has been on Chelsea’s radar for a while and his impressive form for club and country will undoubtedly attract more interest when the January transfer window opens. Fans will be hoping that the Hammers can keep hold of him.
