Gary Neville has spotted something Declan Rice ‘isn’t the best’ at for England or Arsenal

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Gary Neville has now been discussing one area of Declan Rice’s game for both England and Arsenal that isn’t quite his strongest.

Rice, who has already played a remarkable 39 games for his club across all competitions this season, also now has 48 caps for England by the age of 25-years-old.

The Arsenal man is always available, making Mikel Arteta’s plans to alter his position this season a whole lot easier.

Perhaps that is still an underrated trait of a footballer, having an exemplary record of being fit and ready.

That being said, Rice is now preparing for England’s game against Brazil on Saturday, which he’ll surely expect to start.

And when considering the shape of England’s midfield moving forwards, Gary Neville wondered if Kobbie Mainoo may be able to help Rice enjoy even more success.

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Neville mentioned that Rice wasn’t the best at receiving the ball with his back to play for Arsenal or England.

And with Mainoo’s late inclusion in the squad, he wondered if Rice may be able to play slightly higher.

Gary Neville thinks Declan Rice is best off playing higher for Arsenal and England

Speaking on the podcast, Neville thought he had seen a glimpse of England’s future midfield trio, including a certain Jude Bellingham too.

He explained: “I think when he watches Rice and he sees how Rice has been freed by Jorginho, I wonder if he has brought him in to sit there and have Bellingham and Rice in front, because they will both get back and look after him.

“I wonder if he’s thinking he can sit there, because he can handle the ball the kid, he’s unbelievable on the ball and then you throw Rice forward one.

“I think Rice – and I said this a few years ago – Declan isn’t the best at receiving the ball in tight areas with his back to play. He’s better at receiving it when he’s facing the play and running forward.

“Mainoo can receive it in those little areas so I think having him there and those two may be what he’s looking at.”

What is Declan Rice’s best role?

It’s odd to think that one the world’s best defensive midfielders could now be pushed to play as an eight, but Neville is right in stating that Rice perhaps can offer even more for England and Arsenal in that role.

Personally I would dispute the idea that Rice isn’t at his best receiving the ball in tight areas, I don’t see any weakness in his game there, but either way it is a real positive that Rice can offer his managers so much tactical flexibility.

All that being said, one potential Arsenal target for the summer is thought to be outperforming Rice right now.