Souness Criticizes Rice Again: 'This Is Old Man Football, It Is Cheating'

Souness has criticized Rice again. Arsenal have maintained a perfect record in the new Premier League season, and Rice helped the team secure a 2-1 win over Chelsea, but the former Liverpool captain still has concerns about the England international's positioning.

Souness believes Rice drops too deep when Arsenal build attacks, limiting his ability to influence the game in advanced areas. Speaking on a programme hosted by Morgan, he said Rice often positions himself near Arsenal's defensive line rather than taking on midfield responsibilities. He told Morgan: "How many times do you see him taking the ball as the last man? When building attacks, he is the last man. He sits between the two centre-backs, or between a centre-back and a full-back. Many times, he is not playing in midfield at all."

"This is old man football, it is cheating"

Souness also recalled an experience from the early part of his own career. He said that in his second or third home match, he also dropped into the defensive line like all midfielders do today. He described this as "old man football" and "cheating", a way of playing midfield associated with older players—receiving the ball without pressure and then passing it to the full-backs.

Souness also acknowledged Rice's defensive ability. He said Rice is currently England's best defensive midfielder and has a strong sense for danger. However, he added that Rice's positioning is too deep, preventing him from influencing matches, and said, "I don't think there is enough football content there."

The data tells another story

Analysis from Opta Analyst shows that Arsenal are able to control matches through midfield, with Rice playing a central role in their pressing structure and defensive protection. Rice's value is not limited to creativity. He covers a large area, protects transitions between attack and defence, competes for second balls, and provides defensive support when full-backs push forward.

Modern midfield roles are more flexible than during Souness's playing era. Rice dropping between defenders does not necessarily mean he is avoiding midfield responsibility; it may also be a deliberate arrangement by Arteta to help Arsenal progress the ball under pressure and allow other players to move into higher positions. The tactical questions raised by Souness are open to discussion, but Rice's role in Arsenal's system is clearly more complex than simply "standing too deep."