In the aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Declan Rice’s performances have come under scrutiny. One of the most vocal critics has been former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart. Speaking to NOS, Van der Vaart expressed his disbelief at Rice’s hefty price tag of £105 million. He remarked, “€100M for Declan Rice. What does he do? If you are truly worth €100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”
England’s Euro 2024 Campaign
Despite the criticism, Rice was a constant presence in England’s midfield throughout the tournament, playing every minute of their matches. However, his performances varied, possibly due to the changing midfield partnerships he had to adapt to.
Changing Midfield Partnerships
England manager Gareth Southgate experimented with different midfield combinations, which might have impacted Rice’s output and consistency. The tournament began with Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Rice, followed by Conor Gallagher, and eventually Mainoo. Each player brought a different style and dynamic to the midfield, which required Rice to adjust his game accordingly.
Tactical Tweaks and Performance Variations
The introduction of Mainoo into the midfield saw some tactical tweaks that appeared to benefit Rice’s game. His performance notably improved in the match against Switzerland, where he was more effective in breaking up play and distributing the ball forward. However, this improvement was not sustained throughout the tournament.
The Final Showdown
In the crucial final match, Rice’s performance fell short of expectations. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to make a significant impact, and England’s midfield lacked the cohesion and creativity needed to secure a victory.
Declan Rice’s £105 million price tag has sparked debate, with critics like Rafael van der Vaart questioning whether he has lived up to the valuation. While Rice’s consistency and effectiveness were affected by changing midfield partners and tactical adjustments, his overall performance in Euro 2024 highlighted areas for improvement. As Arsenal’s marquee signing, Rice will need to address these challenges and prove his worth on the field in the upcoming season.