The Football Faithful
·15 July 2024
The Football Faithful
·15 July 2024
Rafael van de Vaart has blasted Declan Rice following his performances for England at Euro 2024, insisting the midfielder is not worth the money Arsenal paid for him.
The 25-year-old started all seven of the Three Lions’ games at the European Championship, helping the side reach the final for a second successive time.
England were ultimately unsuccessful in their quest to win a first trophy since 1966, losing to Spain in the decider at Berlin on Sunday night. nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal scored either side of a Cole Palmer equaliser to clinch a 2-1 victory.
The team’s performances were generally uninspiring throughout the tournament, going behind in each of their knockout games and depending on late moments of magic to progress past inferior opposition.
Rice was far from England’s worst player in the competition, but Van de Vaart did not spare the former West Ham United man in his post-match analysis of the final on Dutch television.
The former Spurs and Netherlands attacker criticised him for being too passive a footballer and not being adventurous in his passing game.
“€100 million for Declan Rice. What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless,” Van de Vaart told NOS.
“If you are truly worth €100 million, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”
Do you agree with Van de Vaart’s assessment of Declan Rice? Let us know in the comments below!
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