"Has what it takes to become one of the big stars" - Clarence Seedorf backs Arsenal superstar to shine at Euro 2024
Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf has backed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to shine at the upcoming Euro 2024. Rice was one of the standout players for Arsenal last season after signing from West Ham United in a reported €116 million deal.
The England international dominated the midfield as Mikel Arteta’s men pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race. Although the Gunners ultimately fell short of the title, Rice earned plenty of praise for his performances. The 25-year-old contributed seven goals and 10 assists in 51 games across competitions last season.
Speaking with wettfreunde.net (via DAZN), Seedorf said:
“He has now had four weeks to prepare himself as best as possible for this European Championship. He has played a strong season with Arsenal.”
“He is strong in tackles, he moves between the lines with a lot of cleverness and he has a strong shooting technique. He clearly has what it takes to become one of the big stars of this European Championship,” he added.
Rice has been named in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and will likely partner Kobie Mainoo or Jude Bellingham in the midfield.
England are missing some big names like Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, and have won just one of their last five games. As such, Declan Rice’s stability and experience will be crucial for the Three Lions to make a deep run at Euro 2024.
How has Declan Rice fared for England?
Initially representing the Republic of Ireland, Declan Rice switched his allegiance to England in 2019. He made his Three Lions debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic on March 22 and has grown in importance for the national team since.
Rice was a key cog in England’s Euro 2020 squad, starting all seven games as they lost in the final against Italy at Wembley. He also started all five games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping England reach the quarter-finals, where they lost 2-1 to France.
The former West Ham midfielder has 51 caps for England, in which he has scored three goals. His first goal came in a 4-0 win over Iceland in a Nations League game in November 2020. Rice got on the scoresheet again in a 4-0 win over Hungary in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September 2021.
His third goal came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March 2023, helping England avenge their Wembley defeat against the Azzurri with a 2-1 win.