Former player says Netherlands star is 'five times better' than Declan Rice after England vs Netherlands Euro 2024 clash
Former Netherlands international Hans Kraay is of the opinion that Dutch star Jerdy Schouten is 'five times better' than England's Declan Rice after their Euro 2024 clash. It was The Three Lions who emerged victorious 2-1 in this semi-final encounter on Wednesday (July 10).
However, the game didn't start too well for the Arsenal midfielder, who lost the ball in the same play that led to Xavi Simons' seventh-minute opener. However, Rice steadied himself and put in a fine shift following this moment.
However, Kraay believes that Rice's ability on the ball isn't on par with the rest of his teammates. He told ESPN (via The Boot Room):
"I just think that when you have Foden, Bellingham, Kane and Saka, you have to get all these people on the ball in the opponent's half. Then they will score goals, then they will look for each other. But then we see Declan Rice on the ball in England, Jerdy Schouten is five times better."
On the night, Rice managed an impressive 94% passing accuracy, despite Kraay's comments. He played two accurate long balls from three attempts and completed one successful dribble in two tries.
Rice won more than half of his ground duels (four of seven), and emerged with the ball in one of two aerial battles. He is certainly an integral component of England's squad, having made six appearances in Euro 2024 and bagging an assist.
The Arsenal midfielder will be expected to start in The Three Lions' final against Spain on Sunday (July 14).
Arsenal's new transfer target could have Declan Rice playing same role as he is for England at Euro 2024
Declan Rice has been playing a deep-lying midfield role for England at Euro 2024. This is in contrast to the more advanced position he was enjoying on the left side of midfield for Arsenal after Thomas Partey's return.
However, the 25-year-old could end up playing the number six position if the Gunners go through with their interest in Spain's Mikel Merino (via Football London). The Real Sociedad man often occupies the number eight position, which could push Rice behind in midfield.
Mikel Arteta may wish to retain the Englishman in an attacking role, particularly after his contributions last season. Rice played every single Premier League game last campaign, bagging seven goals and nine assists, after playing much of the season as a number six.