A number of Arsenal fans were left far from impressed with what they heard from Paul Merson in regards to Declan Rice, with many taking to Twitter to share their thoughts.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Gunner urged the north London outfit to take a serious look at the West Ham United star and even suggested that the young England international could be the man to replace Gilberto Silva.
Indeed, when looking at things on paper, it would appear as though Merson could have a valid point. According to data collected by WhoScored, Rice has managed to average three total tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.4 clearances across his 29 Premier League appearances so far, whilst also proving to be rather consistent with his passing, having averaged an impressive 86.2% pass success rate.
However, a number of Arsenal fans are not buying the suggestion, with many citing that the 21-year-old is ‘overrated’, whilst another sarcastically remarked that they might as well bring back Emmanuel Frimpong – who was forced to retire last summer (BBC) – a player who managed to achieve 1.7 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.3 clearances in his six top-flight outings for Arsenal in the 2011/12 campaign (per WhoScored).
Here are just some of their reactions to Merson’s suggestion…
https://twitter.com/richieoshea/status/1243823322632269824
Merson talks utter rubbish
— Derek Yallop (@DerekYallop1) March 28, 2020
Overrated. Might aswell bring back frimpong
— Lewis Adams (@LewisDAdams) March 28, 2020
Er no..
— The Same Old Arsenal Podcast (@SameOldAFC) March 28, 2020
I dont rate either of them
— themountaingunner (@themountaingun1) March 28, 2020
No, rice is so overrated, we should be looking at defenders
— Craig Reynolds (@Eljefereynsy) March 28, 2020
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