Joey Barton has made a big claim about former West Ham skipper Declan Rice but it’s Arsenal’s position to defend now.
Declan Rice has swapped the adulation of West Ham fans for that of the Arsenal supporters.
Rice’s relationship with some West Ham supporters has been strained by his move to Arsenal.
But there is clear mutual respect between the midfielder and the majority of Hammers supporters.
That has been tested by recent comments from the midfielder – and Gareth Southgate – that he has become a better, more complete midfielder since leaving West Ham for the Gunners have antagonised many Hammers fans.
Perpetuating the Rice myth
Rice captained England for the first time in a 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday night.
But after perpetuating the myth that he plays in a more advanced position with Arsenal which in turn suits England more, Rice actually played as the sitting midfielder against Belgium.
He did not have his greatest game in his first match as Three Lions captain.
And England’s worrying defending has seen an old put-down about Rice resurface.
Joey Barton has made a claim about Arsenal star Rice that’s familiar to West Ham fans.
Barton says Rice should play centre-back
The controversial former Premier League midfielder says Rice should play in defence instead.
Of course the ex Hammers skipper started out as a centre-back in West Ham’s academy.
And his critics – chiefly prominent former midfielders Roy Keane and Graeme Souness in the recent past – have both insisted he may be better suited to going back there.
Given both were preeminent central midfielders of the game, their words carry weight – and make headlines, as West Ham fans knew only too well before he joined Arsenal.
Keane and Souness have continually said Rice does not score enough goals and questioned whether he has the required ability to really make the difference in midfield.
David Moyes and Rice himself responded to such claims during his time with West Ham.
Arsenal’s position to defend now
Now Barton has tried to reignite that particular debate.
“I thought KM (Kobbie Mainoo) did fantastic considering his age and experience,” Barton said on X after watching England’s draw with Belgium.
“He’ll be a good player. GL and HW must know he took far too many touches at times tonight. Let him develop in U21s. No rush. He’s a top prospect. Breaks the lines well with his passing but England midfield really lacked structure. Experience.
“Rice should play CB.
“We won’t win with GS at the helm. Get Jose Mourinho ASAP.”
West Ham fans spent years batting away similar suggestions about Rice.
Now it’s Arsenal’s issue to debate.