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Former Netherlands international slams Arsenal player after what he saw at Euro 2024
Former Dutch international Hans Kraay has criticised one Arsenal after what he saw from the England international last night against the Netherlands.
The Three Lions squeezed past the Dutch in dramatic fashion in Dortmund, with Ollie Watkins scoring a last-minute winner in normal time to book England’s place in the final of Euro 2024, where an encounter with Spain awaits.
For Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, it will be another shot at redemption after losing out in the last Euros final to Italy, with the pair likely to start having played a key role for the Three Lions on their route to Berlin this summer.
Yet former Dutch international Kraay was critical of what he saw from one Arsenal player last night.
Declan Rice slammed for ‘on the ball’ ability as England beat the Netherlands
Speaking on during England’s tie against the Netherlands, pundit Kraay was critical of Rice and his ability to get the best out of the likes of Saka and Harry Kane due to his apparent lack of ability on the ball.
Claiming that Dutch midfielder Jerdy Schouten is ‘five times better’ than the Arsenal man, Rice didn’t enjoy the best of starts for England after losing the ball that ultimately led to Xavi Simons firing the Netherlands ahead.
However, like we have seen time and time again from Rice, the midfielder grew into the game and became an assured presence in the centre of the park for England, yet Kraay still wasn’t pleased with what he saw from the 25-year-old.
Kraay said: “I just think that when you have Foden, Bellingham, Kane and Saka, you have to get all those good people on the ball in the opponent’s half. Then they will score goals, then they will look for each other. But we see Declan Rice on the ball in England, sigh, Jerdy Schouten is five times better.”
Rice once again had the last laugh in England’s historic win
Rice came to Euro 2024 off the back of his best year ever as a professional in his debut season with Arsenal, with the midfielder also impressing this summer for England despite playing a more defensive role.
And whilst the former West Ham captain wasn’t at his best in some moments against the Netherlands, Rice once again had the last laugh as England made it back-to-back Euro finals under Gareth Southgate.
Indeed, Rice has been one of England’s most consistent performers at Euro 2024, and criticism of his abilities on the ball are nothing short of obscure given how good the midfielder has shown he can be for club and country.