Declan Rice could score more goals if he were 'more selfish', says Danny Murphy

Danny Murphy believes Declan Rice would score more goals for Arsenal if he adopted a more selfish approach, while Micah Richards praised the midfielder's rounded performances. The discussion followed Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League win at Liverpool.

  • Match: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal, Premier League
  • Topic: Declan Rice's role and goal output in Arsenal's midfield
  • Key claim: Danny Murphy says Rice could score more if he were more selfish
  • Pundits: Kelly Cates, Micah Richards and Danny Murphy
  • Context: Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield

What was said

"Rice is a rounded midfielder, but could be more selfish"

— Danny Murphy, BBC Sport

"how rounded Declan Rice has become in Arsenal's midfield"

— Kelly Cates and Micah Richards, BBC Sport

"if he was more selfish he would score more goals"

— Danny Murphy, BBC Sport

Murphy's point is clear: Rice's team-first mentality may be limiting his goal return. Richards and Cates, meanwhile, focused on the all-round nature of his performances in Arsenal's midfield.

The pundits were speaking after Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. The match report was available to UK users only.

Why Murphy wants Rice to shoot more

Declan Rice is widely regarded as a complete midfielder, but Murphy's argument suggests there is another level to unlock. If Rice backed himself more in the final third, he could add goals to his game.

Arsenal's midfield balance relies on Rice's discipline. Allowing him to take more risks could change the dynamic, but Murphy believes the trade-off would be worth it.

The 1-0 win at Liverpool showed Arsenal's ability to grind out results. Rice's role in that victory was part of a rounded team performance that Richards highlighted.

Talking points

  • Should Rice prioritise goals over tactical discipline, or would that disrupt Arsenal's structure?
  • Is Murphy right that selfishness is the missing ingredient in Rice's game?
  • How many goals could Rice realistically add if he shot more often?
  • Does Richards' praise of Rice's roundedness contradict Murphy's call for more selfishness?

What happens next

Arsenal's next Premier League fixture will be the first opportunity to see if Rice adopts a more attacking approach. The title race remains tight, and every goal could matter.

Frequently asked questions

What did Danny Murphy say about Declan Rice?

Murphy said Rice is a rounded midfielder but could be more selfish, and that if he were, he would score more goals.

What did Micah Richards say about Declan Rice?

Richards discussed how rounded Rice has become in Arsenal's midfield, alongside Kelly Cates.

What was the score in Liverpool vs Arsenal?

Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal in the Premier League.

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