James McClean Says He Cannot Understand English Hype Around Declan Rice | Balls.ie

It’s fair to say that the general Irish football fan does not have too much goodwill for England during major tournaments. Supporters in this part of the year have long enjoyed their shortcomings on the biggest stage, with the presence of Declan Rice only adding to that dynamic.

The Arsenal midfielder starred for Ireland in the underage ranks, going on to earn three caps at senior level. Of course, all three of those appearances would come in friendly games, meaning he was still eligible to play for England.

When Gareth Southgate came calling, he eventually switched his international allegiances. Declan Rice has since gone on to earn 52 caps for England, becoming an increasingly important member of their squad.

Ireland fans have moved on from the saga surrounding the player’s international decision, although there is always likely to be a bit of animosity there due to the way it was handled.

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James McClean is baffled by hype around Declan Rice

Declan Rice has earned a huge amount of praise in the English press in recent seasons, with Arsenal also forking out £105million to sign him from West Ham last summer.

While there is no doubt that he is a quality player, some feel that the hype surrounding him is somewhat over the top.

Speaking on RTÉ, Rice’s former Ireland teammate James McClean said that the 25-year old does not deserve the reputation of being a world class player.

I think Declan Rice is overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.

For me, he’s not world class. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that.

I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. I know Toni Kross is now retiring, but to me Toni Kroos is world class. [Kroos] dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Rice does that.

He’s not someone who is going get on the half turn and play passes forward. He is very good at what he does…

They play the same role, so why can’t they do the same things? If you’re going to give me this much hype and reputation, then surely he should be able to do what they do? That’s get the ball on the half turn, play passes forward, and dictate the play. I don’t think he does that.

He’s good at what he does. He sees danger and puts out fires, but for the hype that surrounds him, I don’t think it’s justified.

Declan Rice certainly does not have the pedigree of the likes of Toni Kross and Rodri, who have won the biggest honours in the game and performed at the highest level for a number of seasons.

It is somewhat of a moot point, but it is always interesting to wonder what sport of reputation he would have in the English press had he remained committed to Ireland. You get the sense that it would not be quite as glowing.

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