Graeme Souness has insisted there's a 'hell of a lot to like' about England midfielder Declan Rice amid reported interest from Liverpool.
Rice, who is now captain of West Ham, is expected to leave the Hammers in the summer with Liverpool said to be one of the club's in the race for the midfielder - who is expected to cost upwards of £70million.
The England midfielder could start again for the Three Lions in their final Group B game at the World Cup against Wales with qualification all-but secured in Qatar.
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Former Liverpool star Souness touched on the energy Rice brings to a midfield - something that has been lacking from Jurgen Klopp 's side this season on numerous occasions.
"I think there’s a hell of a lot to like about him, he’s exceptionally energetic, covers ground for fun, got a great defensive head, senses danger," Souness said. "He has evolved to be the main man in this England team.
"Downside for me, he’s played 182 games in the Premier League, scored seven goals, that’s one every 26 games, that’s not enough - whether you call yourself a holding midfielder, defensive midfielder, you’re in play all the time… he should be getting more goals, coming onto it more, that’s one criticism.
"Playing for England, if Gareth Southgate was sitting here, he’d counter what I’m about to say to say we’ve got a semi-final and a final of two major competitions."
The Scotsman criticised Gareth Southgate for his cautious England selections as Reds skipper Jordan Henderson is rumoured to be starting next to Rice in the Wales game on Tuesday night.
" I think he’s overcautious in midfield, if he’s going to play Henderson that’s another sitting midfielder who doesn’t get goals or have clever toot and play about him that’s why when you watch England it’s not very exciting," added Souness.
"Pragmatic, workmanlike but I think England have better players that would make them a better watch, easier on the eye and could be as solid. Given where England are with Walker, Maguire - the season he’s had - to go two holding midfielders against Wales, I’m not so sure.”
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