England wasting one of the most talented squads ever assembled on Southgate

[BlueHammer85]

Reminiscent of a young Darren Fletcher, just like a subbuteo figure he plays football in a straight line.

Superb analysis
God knows what the top managers/pundits/ex pros all see in this ‘young Darren Fletcher’ ‘plodder’ ‘overated’ player

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

Superb analysis
God knows what the top managers/pundits/ex pros all see in this ‘young Darren Fletcher’ ‘plodder’ ‘overated’ player

Darren Fletcher was captain of his national team and a regular in title winning teams, he was still a plodder though.

If he was up to the standard why doesn't Arteta play him at defensive midfield?

 

[wattle]

Dead pleased for Rico. Nice to see Southgate thinking a little out of the box for once with these three call ups.

 

[give it to gordon]

Not been following this thread much, what's with all this Fletcher, Gerrard talk ? The game has moved on from these type of players

 

[Bluesince1979]

Phil, Rico and Cole City Academy graduates all in the squad

And trippier

 

[dennishasdoneit]

Can you find quote from me saying Redknapp senior was a top player

I was wrong.it wasn't you who mentioned redknapp 'senior.
My apologies.

 

[dennishasdoneit]

Crazy but i would say his highest attribute is getting/wanting the ball deep, opening up space and driving forward. That's all i ever saw him do for us.

I'd say Rice biggest weakness is when he gets in that attacking third and has opportunity to pull the trigger, He could score some more goals and lacks that edge for sure.

other than that, i've always rated him as one of the best all round players since Gerrard.

I don't see any weakness...his 1st touch could be better.but his goal scoring level is prob where it should be for a player who generally starts from deep centre mid.
My hammer mate says Rice is the best player hes ever seen at WHU ,and her been going home and away since mid 80s to this day.

 

[the blue panther]

I don't see any weakness...his 1st touch could be better.but his goal scoring level is prob where it should be for a player who generally starts from deep centre mid.
My hammer mate says Rice is the best player hes ever seen at WHU ,and her been going home and away since mid 80s to this day.

Blimey - that ignores the likes of Eyal Berkovic who played nearly 80 games for them. Also, a little earlier, probably Brooking and Devonshire.
I know who I'd rather have watched.

 

[BlueHammer85]

Blimey - that ignores the likes of Eyal Berkovic who played nearly 80 games for them. Also, a little earlier, probably Brooking and Devonshire.
I know who I'd rather have watched.

loved Eyal Berkovic but no way was he in the same class as Rice! Rice would have had a field day up against him.
can't argue against your other two shouts but they were before my time and a whole different era.
from 1992+ Rice is the most complete all round midfielder we've had.

 

[dennishasdoneit]

Blimey - that ignores the likes of Eyal Berkovic who played nearly 80 games for them. Also, a little earlier, probably Brooking and Devonshire.
I know who I'd rather have watched.

That's my point. He( my mate) has watched all the players you mention.home and away.
Alan Devonshire was,imo a brilliant footballer. Fantastic close control,used to have a languid but fluid running style bringing the ball from centre mid.linked well with Brooking, but neither of these two players were known for their bite in the tackle.....Rice is predominately known for robust and effective ball winning, and has shown he can then carry the ball and surge from centre mid ...so,as an all round midfield player he is already,imo as important a player to WH as the aforementioned duo. Brooking excelled with a top class passing game, and just seemed to be able to find his team mates anywhere on the pitch.Brooking and Eyal were both superior to Rice in this respect, but all round ,on balance, id say Rice was the better player...
Intresting debate tho!