Don Hutchison has compared Arsenal-linked dynamo Declan Rice to Manchester City lynchpin Rodri.
Speaking to ESPN UK, the well-known pundit was quizzed about his thoughts about the 24-year-old potentially heading to Mikel Arteta’s side, after it was reported that City pulled out of the race to sign him on Wednesday.
Don Hutchison, who clearly loves the prospect of Declan Rice joining Arsenal went on to liken him to Rodri.
Don Hutchison compares Declan Rice to Rodri
On the Sky Blues’ attempt to sign Rice, it is key to emphasise that the club reportedly are not worried about missing out on his signature, as they chose not to pay a premium fee for his services.
Instead, as reported shortly after, the treble-winners have targeted a move for Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga as an alternative.
In a discussion about how much physicality Manchester City possess, particularly a player like Rodri, Don Hutchison claimed that Declan Rice also brings the same element to Arsenal, alongside his well-rounded game.
“Rodri’s the best example. When you watch him play against opponents, he does look [like] a giant. And his positional sense and his tactical brain is amazing. That’s what I think Declan Rice brings as well.”
Declan Rice still has a long way to go to become as complete as the Spaniard
Don Hutchison does make a fair point but what separates Rodri from the West Ham icon is how well-rounded his game is.
While the Englishman is a better athlete, the Spanish international’s defensive instincts, range of passing, ability to break the lines and dictate the tempo of the game is on another level.
So much so that the matchwinner in the Champions League final is widely considered as the best defensive midfielder in the world.
There is no disputing how cracking a player Rice is but he still has a lot to learn from Rodri to become as complete as him, alongside his obvious physical gifts.
