Leeds United legend John Giles believes that Arsenal’s Declan Rice could undergo a positional shift as his career progresses. Since his £105 million move from West Ham United, Rice has excelled at Arsenal, elevating the team’s midfield performance and placing them in contention for the title this season.
Giles suggests that Rice, currently dominating the midfield, could transition to center-back in the latter stages of his career, drawing parallels to legendary figures like Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauer.
Speaking on The Stand With Eamon Dunphy, Giles stated:
“When he gets older, I think he will be a top-class center-back. It will be a Bobby Moore/Beckenbauer situation. I played against both of those, Bobby Moore was a midfield player in my time. Bobby could mark anybody.
Back to your point, do you think Rice could be a Beckenbauer-type player? Yes, I do, I think he has the ability, he’s quick and as he gets older, he will have the experience and the technique to be a top-class center-back.”
Despite thriving in the midfield at Arsenal, Rice’s versatility and skill set could see him excel in a new role later in his career. Currently, he stands as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfielders, contributing four goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.
