Declan Rice, a reported Liverpool transfer target, according to Roy Keane, needs to do more to justify his reputation
Rice is regarded as one of the country’s top midfielders, a distinction that appears to be confirmed by a major move this summer. Nevertheless, speaking to ITV Sport last night, Keane stated that the West Ham United captain needs to show a lot more.
“I don’t believe he’s been brilliant this season, I don’t think he’s kicked on, I truly don’t,” the analyst said. “There’s been a lot of excellent Publicity going out of West Ham about how much he’s worth, I think he needs to do a lot more. He doesn’t score enough goals or provide enough assists.
“I’ve been a fan of him, he turns up every week, he’s always fit, but I just want a bit more from him. There is speculation that he will leave for huge money to play for one of the major clubs contending for championships and the Champions League. It’s as easy as that: he needs to do a lot more.
“Sometimes I see games at West Ham, and I’m not saying he’s playing poorly, but he’s simply going through the motions. [Passing it] sideways and backwards, taking the easiest route. He needs to do a lot more to compete with the country’s other elite midfielders.”
Liverpool is not convinced by the Rice race.
As much as others may object – as Ian Wright did – Keane is most likely correct here. Rice is expected to command a cost of over £100 million this summer. That appears ludicrous until you watch him play.
He appears to be resting on his laurels at times. Regardless of how he performs, the 24-year-old knows a huge move is on the road.
In any case, he’ll be making a significant move. It’s debatable whether that’s to Liverpool right now. Earlier this morning, journalist Graeme Bailey suggested that the Reds will only pursue Rice as a replacement for Jude Bellingham.
Rice appears to be heading to one of the following clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, or Arsenal.
Whatever he does between now and the conclusion of the season, his price is unlikely to change significantly. West Ham is anticipating a large sum and will not settle until they receive one. With Liverpool unlikely to come in and Rice disappointing, we can only hope that one of our rivals overpays for him.
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