Gary Neville has agreed with Roy Keane's criticism of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
The English defensive midfielder has emerged as one of the most talked about players in his position anywhere in the World.
With his contract due to expire in 2024, Rice is expected to be the subject of a transfer saga with a host of Premier League club's interested in acquiring the Englishman's services.
READ MORE: The Arsenal influence on Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk
Despite the hype, Roy Keane is one man who isn't sold on Rice. After West Ham's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday night, Keane took aim at Rice for not scoring or assisting enough goals.
He said on ITV: "I don't think he's been that good. "I don't think he's been great this season. He's not really kicked on, you know, for all the talk about him, a lot of good PR coming out of West Ham about his price.
"I think he needs to do a lot more. He doesn't get enough goals... doesn't get enough assists. He needs to do a lot more.
Keane's comments go against a lot of what has been said in the British media, with plenty of pundits purring over Rice's performances any chance they get.
Gary Neville is one man who is a self-professed fan of Declan Rice. However, the Sky Sports pundit found it difficult to disagree with Keane's statement.
“I heard what Roy said last night and I agree with him," Neville told Sky Sports.
"I love Declan Rice, but I’ve said this for a long time about him, Jamie Carragher will tell you so.
“When we do Monday Night Football and West Ham play, we do a tactical camera, the high camera. But when I look at the world class holding midfielders that exist, Rice – he doesn’t score or assist enough so he needs to be in the category of a destroyer.
“Then you have to be someone who is highly competent on the ball in linking play, and have that knowledge of getting on the ball. I personally feel that Declan does need to go and work under a different setup. He needs to drive forward in his career.
“But I wouldn’t be spending £110 million on Declan Rice if I was Man United this summer. I would if it was £50 million, but not what’s being reported. Because I feel like he has got a lot of growth.”
READ NEXT:
Graeme McDowell LIV prize money dwarfs Shane Lowry's Honda Classic payout
Maura Higgins shares video from viewing party as she watches Jake Paul v Tommy Fury
Tommy Fury leaves viewers 'in tears' after loving tribute to Molly Mae and daughter Bambi
Craig Casey reveals how close he came to missing first Six Nations start for Ireland
Ireland's Grand Slam hopes the last standing as Andy Farrell tells side to want it more v Scotland
For all the latest football news please click here to sign up to our newsletter
