When profiling players & deciding which role they should play, you have to consider where they would be best for the team, not where they’d shine the most individually.
Even if Declan Rice would shine more as an 8, he’ll end up as a 6 because top-level 6s are far rarer than 8s.
Even if Declan Rice would shine more as an 8, he’ll end up as a 6 because top-level 6s are far rarer than 8s.
Yes, Rice can play as an 8, as he’s a great carrier and very effective in the middle and final thirds, but the footballing world needs him at the 6.
There are so few players who have the intelligence and positional sense to excel as a holding midfielder & Rice is one of them.
There are so few players who have the intelligence and positional sense to excel as a holding midfielder & Rice is one of them.
Nowadays, too many players get pushed up the pitch at young ages, where coaches feel they can have the most “impact” on games.
But at the highest level, this argument just doesn’t apply.
But at the highest level, this argument just doesn’t apply.
Even in possession, defenders and 6s can have just as big of an impact on the game as 8s or 10s, with their movements, tactical awareness, positioning, decision-making, etc.
When playing out from the back, you need superb technical ability and intelligence in the first phase.
When playing out from the back, you need superb technical ability and intelligence in the first phase.
For the best clubs in the world, Declan Rice is a holding midfielder; no question about it.
Ideally he would play in a double pivot, where he could then still make use of his superb ball-carrying regularly. But he would thrive as a lone pivot, too.
Ideally he would play in a double pivot, where he could then still make use of his superb ball-carrying regularly. But he would thrive as a lone pivot, too.
That’s not to say he CAN’T play as an 8, but if that becomes his regular position, it would be a shame for the world of football, which is crying out for more elite 6s.
Here some related tweets on this issue...
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