There’s quite a few posts in this thread which make Rice sound like below average fodder. I’m not sure what’s motivating that but he’s been called slow, absolute base level DM, some saying they are concerned about his positioning, would crumble when pressed (?!) or offers nothing except breaking up play.
I’ve seen him a few times now and none of these negatives apply. He is plenty quick enough (and very agile, sharp in his movements), in the top three or four DMs in the Prem (even at his tender age), has great positional sense, is often pressed and doesn’t crumble, offers plenty beyond breaking up play, including decent, measured passing, composure and leadership.
I do see the similarities with Keane, apart from temperament, of course. Rice has that focus and busyness about his play, a similar sharpness of movement and a relentless attitude of the type common to winners.
Rice with Pogba and Bruno would be fricking brilliant.
And someone said McT is much better than Rice which, I’m afraid, is horseshit. I like McT, and he’s a different type to Rice, but he is a class below at the moment.