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Rice told how to reach another level

Declan Rice has been told that he needs to add goals to his game if he is to reach the next level as a footballer.

The Hammers star has developed into perhaps the best defensive midfielder in the country in recent months, taking his game up a notch with his performances for England at Euro 2020.

However, he has somewhat struggled to hit the back of the net in recent seasons.

During his time with the Hammers, he has scored just eight goals in 168 games, although he does appear to be working on it, scoring three times already this season.

And former Irons’ academy director Tony Carr, who made a real effort to bring Rice to the club from Chelsea, believes that the only thing he needs to do to become a complete midfielder is to start hitting the back of the net with regularity.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said of the England star: “If he could score more goals a season that would be brilliant.

“There will be moments in the game where he finds himself in advanced positions. If he can add goals to his game that will take him to another level.”

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.

3 comments on “Rice told how to reach another level

  1. Don’t agree 100% with this – some goals here and there would be good obviously, but by focusing on it he is playing an unnatural game for him. That risks his defensive game, where he is so good at breaking up play, transitioning the team forward to launch the attack. Doesn’t mean he has to then get ahead and finish the move as well. Better to do what you do very very well. Dec is arguably the best DCM since Beckrnbauer – he is that good – don’t dilute his talent by trying to add 15 goals to it. It’s a team game!!

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