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Gary Neville labelled 'harsh' as he asks big question of Arsenal's Declan Rice

Declan Rice of Arsenal is sent off by referee Christopher Kavanagh vs Brighton
-Credit: (Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)


The subject of Declan Rice's best position for England and Arsenal led to a heated debate between Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes.

After showing some impressive turns during the international break, Rice's optimal role was up for discussion on the latest episode of The Overlap. And it was there that Neville was referred to as "so harsh" for one comment questioning certain limitations in the player's game.

Manchester United icon Scholes recalled his own career with England, how things didn't pan out as hoped and the fact it wasn't until later in his career he found arguably his best position. The same was asked of Rice and whether he is fielded in the position he can make his greatest impact, with the pundits in disagreement over where he'd be best utilised.

When asked by Neville whether he felt Rice was "capable of playing that deep-lying" role in midfield, Scholes responded that he believes "it's his best role." Neville revealed his surprise at Scholes' comment and said: "I don't think he can get the ball off the back four like a Rodri can."

"That's so harsh," replied Carragher to his long-time counterpart. "That's so harsh!"

The table then erupted into even fiercer debate as Scholes suggested that was in fact his "greatest strength," while Roy Keane appeared to agree with Neville. The Irishman concurred that he thought Rice was "better running onto" the ball before Neville clarified his answer.

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"I'm not saying he's not a competent player [at No6]. . .I'm talking about in the tournament when he'll get on the ball, get us playing, keep us moving, get us playing. I'm not sure that's what he does!"

Keane offered further praise and pointed to Rice's performance against the Republic of Ireland - where he scored one goal and helped set up another - as proof that he can thrive further upfield. He may not hit Scholes' supposed expectations of reaching "15 or 20 goals a season," but Keane was confident he could hit double figures.

Carragher also mused about how positions can be overcomplicated in the modern game, adding: "When you go back to when you were playing, Roy, you think of [Bryan] Robson, yourself, Incey [Paul Ince] in there. . .you didn't say, 'He's a holder [etc].' You were just a midfield player.

Gary Neville called "harsh" for Declan Rice view
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher bickered over their Rice views -Credit:The Overlap

"And I know the game [today]. . .someone's a six, someone's an eight, someone's a 10 and all that, but I think [Rice] can [do it all]. You [Keane] would get back and defend, get forward in attack. . .he's that midfield player, for me, that can do both."

After a promising first international break under the care of Lee Carsley, Rice faces a delayed return to club duties at the Emirates Stadium. His red card in the 1-1 draw with Brighton means he's suspended for Sunday's north London derby, where Mikel Arteta will hope to overcome the loss of his talisman and get back to winning ways.