garnett wrote: ↑Wed Jun 23, 2021 12:30 pm
Afternoon, I said when Declan first got into the England squad that he was far from the finished article, but has he now improved enough to keep his place, I fear not, well not in our national teams managers eyes he hasn`t, who showed his hand that he thinks Phillips is now the preferred holder with Henderson, who he will not drop.
I do think Declans range of passing need big improvements, I also believe he should start taking the ball off defenders rather than waiting to be passed to, pro active, make things happen is his next level.
Thoughts
Henderson isn't really a DM though, he's a CM who sometimes plays DM, unlike Rice who's now an out and out DM. I thought we lost control of that game yesterday once Rice went off but because he's not an expansive box to box type he doesn't catch the eye.
Rice allows Phillips, who by nature is more box to box to play his natural game and he looked ok. When Henderson came on Phillips had to shoulder more defensive duties and honestly isn't fit to lace Rice's boots is in that role.
I do agree with you though, for Rice to be the next Kimmich, he does need to carry the ball more, grab the game by the scruff of the neck to dictate the play and be more adventurous with his passing. A 3 yard square ball is fine if you have just broken up the opponents attack but when you're in 15 yards of space and more often than not opt for the safe sideways or backwards pass then it's only a matter of time before the detractors take note.
However, despite Rice's offensive limitations if Southgate starts Henderson over him next game I think we're in big trouble as our bang average CBs will get woefully exposed.