Micah Richards amazed by ‘ridiculous’ Arsenal player who’s just ‘got everything’
Micah Richards has lauded the talent of one star for Arsenal and England following the Three Lions’ win over Serbia.
England thrashed Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade to keep on course for the World Cup next summer in America, Canada and Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel handed Elliot Anderson his England debut against Andorra a few days earlier and Djed Spence a first appearance off the bench against Serbia.
Declan Rice netted the second goal against Andorra, but it was his display against Serbia that made Richards take notice.
Declan Rice applauded after England victory
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, [10 September], podcast, Richards praised Rice believing he has “everything” in his locker including his set-piece ability.
“The delivery is just ridiculous. He puts it on a six post every time. If it’s not for Arsenal, it’s for England,” Richards commented.
“He knows exactly what to do with it. He puts a little bit of bend, a little bit of swerve, where he’s got that lofty one as well. A little swaz.
“He’s got everything in his armory. I just thought watching Rice tonight, and even though he should have scored a couple of goals tonight, it’s the way he arrives in the box.
“He always knows where to be, the timing of his run.”
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Rice did pick up two assists against Serbia to go alongside the header against Andorra.
Rice cements England position
Rice was the star of the show in Belgrade, and if it didn’t need confirming the 26-year-old looks a certainty to be in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
| Minutes Played | 81 |
| Touches | 62 |
| Total Shots | 7 |
| Chances Created | 3 |
Who plays alongside Rice is the question Tuchel needs to answer before the tournament following Anderson’s impressive displays alongside him over the past two matches.
The injured duo of Jude Bellingham and Adam Wharton will also want be picked alongside Rice.
Rice brings a box-to-box energy to England and Arsenal and his set-piece deliveries have been a key reason why the Gunners are the best in the Premier League from those type of situations.
Tuchel has already talked about the importance of set-pieces during the World Cup due to the extreme heat so Rice may be the key to England’s success.