‘A poor man’s Roy Keane’ – RTÉ pundits not impressed by ‘overrated’ Declan Rice

Declan Rice has been receiving plenty of plaudits since his mega money move to Arsenal last summer, but he is unlikely to get too much adulation in Ireland.

Rice started his international career in a green Ireland jersey, but switched his allegiances to England and has gone on to enjoy a successful international career with the nation of his birth.

He is a central player in England’s midfielder at this summer’s Euro 2024 finals, but his one-time Ireland team-mate James McClean has suggested the hype around Rice is misplaced.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Sport, the former Ireland winger didn’t hold back as he offered up this verdict on Rice.

"I think Declan Rice is overrated,” he said.

"Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.

"For me, he’s not world-class. To me, world-class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that.

"I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world-class, he dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game. I don’t think Declan Rice does that.”

McClean was then asked whether it was wrong to compare Rice to Rodri or Kroos, as they have different roles in the team and he added: “They play the same role, so why can’t they do the same things?

“If you’re going to give him this much hype and reputation, surely he should be able to do what they do.

“He sees danger and puts out fires, but for the hype that surrounds him I don’t think it’s justified.”

McClean was joined by former Ireland colleague and fellow RTÉ’s Sport guest Kevin Doyle, who gave this brutal assessment of Rice.

“A poor man’s Roy Keane,” said Doyle said. “Similar style of play without his intensity and aggression."

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