‘Useless’: Tottenham hero slams Arsenal player after what he did last night in Euro Final
Tottenham legend Rafael van der Vaart didn’t hold back in his criticism of an Arsenal star following England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Despite England’s commendable run in the tournament, Van der Vaart targeted Declan Rice for his performance, sparking a debate about the midfielder’s role and effectiveness on the international stage.
The Three Lions once again fell short in a major final, losing 2-1 to a dominant Spain in Berlin. Spain’s victory was well-deserved, cementing their status as the best team in the tournament.
England, however, can still take pride in their journey, with notable performances that earned praise from football legends. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, in particular, received accolades for his efforts throughout the competition.
Rafael van der Vaart, speaking on NOS Sport, was particularly scathing in his review of Declan Rice’s performance. He described Rice as “useless” for England, criticizing the 25-year-old for his conservative play and lack of forward passing.
Van der Vaart questioned Rice’s £100 million price tag, highlighting his tendency to play it safe by passing the ball back to defenders like John Stones.
Declan Rice’s position as the deepest midfielder under Gareth Southgate has seen him adopt a more defensive role, which differs from his responsibilities at Arsenal.
This strategic shift aims to provide stability in England’s midfield, allowing more advanced players like Jude Bellingham to push forward. However, Van der Vaart’s comments suggest that this approach may be limiting Rice’s potential impact on the game.
At Arsenal, Rice has flourished under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta. The former West Ham captain has developed into a more dynamic and attacking midfielder, showcasing a broader skill set and contributing significantly to the Gunners’ offensive play. This transformation raises questions about whether a similar role could benefit England in future tournaments.
Van der Vaart’s critique highlights a broader discussion about England’s midfield strategy. As the national team looks ahead, potentially without Gareth Southgate, there is a growing argument for adapting Rice’s role to mirror his club responsibilities.
By unleashing his attacking potential, England could enhance their midfield creativity and improve their chances of securing international silverware.
Declan Rice remains a vital part of England’s setup and is expected to be a key player for years to come. His adaptability and experience will be crucial as the team navigates future competitions.
The debate sparked by Van der Vaart’s comments may prompt a reevaluation of Rice’s role, encouraging a more forward-thinking approach that leverages his full capabilities.
The criticism from Rafael van der Vaart sheds light on the need for tactical evolution in England’s midfield. As the team moves forward, integrating the attacking aspects of Rice’s game seen at Arsenal could be pivotal.
By embracing this change, England might find the missing piece to finally achieve success on the international stage.
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