Declan Rice has become a highly versatile midfielder for Arsenal, but former professional Danny Murphy believes the player could add more goals if he adopted a more selfish approach. Murphy, who once played alongside Rice at West Ham, said that Rice’s willingness to drop deep and distribute the ball often limits his own scoring opportunities. “If he kept the ball more and looked for chances to finish, he’d be a bigger threat in front of goal,” Murphy explained, highlighting the difference between a playmaker and a goal‑scoring midfielder.
The comments came after Arsenal’s 1‑0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, a match that showcased Rice’s defensive solidity and passing range. In a game that saw Arsenal win the Premier League title, Rice was instrumental in breaking up opposition attacks and launching counter‑attacks, but he did not find the back of the net. The goal, scored by Bukayo Saka, was the only one in a tight contest that saw Liverpool’s attack stifled by a disciplined Arsenal defense.
Kelly Cates and former England defender Micah Richards also weighed in on Rice’s evolution. Cates praised Rice’s development into a “rounded midfielder” who can operate both defensively and offensively, while Richards noted that Rice’s ability to read the game and distribute from deep is a key asset for Arsenal’s midfield engine. Together, they argued that Rice’s versatility is a major factor in Arsenal’s recent success, but they acknowledged that a more goal‑focused mindset could enhance his individual statistics.
Despite the praise, Murphy’s point about selfishness reflects a broader debate among Arsenal supporters about the balance between team play and individual flair. Rice has consistently been praised for his work rate and tactical discipline, but the suggestion that he could be more aggressive in front of goal adds a new dimension to the discussion. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has often emphasized the importance of collective effort, which may explain why Rice’s role has remained primarily supportive rather than goal‑scoring.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will aim to maintain their momentum as they close out the season. Rice’s continued presence in midfield will be crucial for keeping the team balanced, while the club will also look to add more attacking options to complement the likes of Saka and Gabriel Jesus. If Rice can blend his defensive responsibilities with a more proactive attacking mindset, he could become an even more complete midfielder for the Gunners.