Declan Rice has harshly been branded as ‘useless’ and isn’t worth his price tag following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
That is the view of Netherlands legend and ex-Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who has questioned the 25-year-old’s role in the Three Lions team.
Rice started in England’s 2-1 loss to Spain on Sunday night – the second successive European Championship final he has lost in.
And while he has been a consistent performer for England in Germany, he struggled against Luis de la Fuente’s side at the Olympiastadion.
His display has led to a furious reaction from former Real Madrid maestro Van der Vaart, who has stated he isn’t worth the price Arsenal paid for him last summer.
The Gunners prised the player away from West Ham in a £100million deal – with a further £5m to be paid in potential add-ons.
And Van der Vaart doesn’t believe it was money well spent due to his style of play – despite Rice widely regarded as one of the signings of the 2023/24 season.
Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS following the Euro 2024 final, the 41-year-old said: “£100M for Declan Rice.
“What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones.
“He is useless. If you are truly worth £100m, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”
Rice started each of England’s seven matches at Euro 2024, where he played alongside three different midfielders in the middle of the park.
He started off the tournament alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, before Conor Gallagher came in, with Kobbie Mainoo his partner for the last four matches.
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit told talkSPORT last month how Rice has been a ‘victim’ of Gareth Southgate’s tactics.
He remarked: “I think even for Declan Rice, I don’t recognise him. The way he was marvellous with Arsenal for the last season, he’s been magnificent. He’s been playing as a leader.
“He was a masterclass all the time on the pitch, taking responsibility. I saw him [vs Denmark], dropping back on central defenders all the time.
“He was unable as well to build the game from behind when he had the chance to do it.
“And I never saw him trying to support the attack and try to do the same thing he’s doing with Arsenal.
“So I think he’s not confident. He’s covering so many miles on the pitch. He’s the only one to do that.
“So it’s not the same Declan Rice, but I think he’s a victim of the structure, the tactics, and the players he’s got around him in midfield.”
News Summary:
- ‘What does he do?’ – Tottenham cult hero Rafael van der Vaart slams ‘useless’ Declan Rice after England’s Euros defeat
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