West Ham United captain Declan Rice has hit out at comments made by former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness last month.
In a column for the Daily Mail last month, the former Reds captain and Scotland international said that to be a top midfielder you have to be able to defend, create goals and score goals, adding that he is only good at defending and that he can see the Hammers captain turning into a centre-back later on in his career.
Rice, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal, has now spoken to the media publicly for the first time since those comments, currently sitting second on assists for West Ham in all competitions this season with four.
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Asked about those comments ahead of being in line to win his 40th England cap against Italy in Naples on Thursday night, Rice felt that the comments were “harsh,” adding that Souness does not watch West Ham on a weekly basis and that he feels the backing in his abilities of those who do watch him regularly.
"It's harsh, I think it's harsh because [Graeme] Souness doesn't watch West Ham every week,” said Rice.
"There's loads of West Ham fans, 60,000 go every week, and see what I do. So I think to say I'm only good at one of three things is harsh.
"Souness was a top midfielder, a top player and when someone like him speaks you have to sometimes listen and take on board where you can improve if that's true."
Rice has also recently come under fire from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane after his performance for the Hammers against the Red Devils in the FA Cup.
However, unlike Souness’ comments, Rice said that Keane has previously spoken highly of him, adding that he is good at taking constructive criticism well.
"He [Keane] has said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well.
"You try not to let it affect you that much. I can take criticism on the chin quite well. If it is that way I can see where I can improve."
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