EPL: Scholes Identifies Declan Rice’s Major Weakness Despite Arsenal’s Win Over Liverpool

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has identified an area where Arsenal star Declan Rice could improve, despite the midfielder’s impressive performance in the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool.

Scholes believes Rice could become an even more dangerous player if he releases the ball quicker and reduces the number of touches he takes in midfield.

Rice played a key role in Arsenal’s victory at Anfield on Sunday. His powerful run and precise cross created the opportunity for Kai Havertz to score the winning goal in the 16th minute.

The result also gave Arsenal their first Premier League win at Anfield since 2012 and moved them three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Scholes Praises Rice’s Powerful Run

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes praised Rice’s strength, pace and attacking movement during the match.

He compared the Arsenal midfielder’s powerful run to the style of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

“What he did yesterday where he powered, you can’t stay with that. Probably a little bit Steven Gerrard-like,” Scholes said.

Rice’s contribution against Liverpool showed how effectively he can use his physical qualities to create chances. His run down the right flank and low cross gave Havertz the opportunity to score at the far post.

However, Scholes believes Rice can take his game to another level by improving the speed at which he moves the ball.

Scholes Wants Rice to Pass the Ball Quicker

According to Scholes, Rice sometimes takes too many touches before releasing the ball. He believes this can slow down Arsenal’s attacking play and give opponents more time to organise their defence.

The former Manchester United midfielder argued that quicker passing, followed by forward runs, would allow Rice to make better use of his strength and pace.

“My only thing with Declan Rice, I still think he takes too many touches for a midfield player. If he decides to just play one and two touch and run, he’d be virtually unplayable. Almost in a Steven Gerrard type of way,” Scholes added.

He also suggested that Rice has already begun to make improvements in this area.

Scholes said he was impressed by the midfielder’s performance against Liverpool, particularly the run and pass that produced Havertz’s goal.

Rice Continues to Impress for Arsenal

Rice has established himself as an important figure in Arsenal’s midfield since joining the club from West Ham United in 2023.

His performances combine defensive work, physical strength and an increasing contribution to the team’s attacking play.

According to the Daily Post report, Rice had recorded five Premier League assists in nine appearances at the time of publication, putting him at the top of the competition’s assist chart.

Scholes’ comments were therefore not a dismissal of Rice’s ability. Instead, he argued that improving his decision-making and moving the ball more quickly could make the Arsenal midfielder even more effective.

With Arsenal competing at the top of the Premier League, Rice’s ability to influence games through both his passing and forward runs will remain an important part of the team’s campaign.

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