TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has claimed West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is massively overrated, after claims Liverpool want to sign him.
Speaking on the radio station this morning, the former Crystal Palace chairman agreed with Roy Keane’s recent assessment of the 24-year-old, which suggested he hasn’t done enough this season to warrant his exceptional reputation.
“No, I don’t think he’s at the level people put him at,” said Jordan.
“I think he’s a very good player. But I have the same view [as Roy Keane].
“I think they’ve packaged Declan Rice up to such a level that they’re convincing people that he’s worth £100m plus.
There’s no doubt he’s a very good player and playing in a better side with better players would enhance his performances.
“[But], if you can convince [people that] Declan Rice is a £100m player and someone is foolish enough to want to pay that for him, then you’re not getting a £100m footballer.
“He’s not a £100m footballer. He’s a very, very good, tidy, very well-built footballer, but he’s a long way away from what people have built him up to be.”
Jordan thinks Rice is overrated
According to Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, the Reds join Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign the England international.
However, with the club’s insistence on landing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer, Rice appears to be an unlikely addition.
At 19 years old, Bellingham is far better value for money, with it suggested BVB will be willing to part ways with him for around £130m.
Although the midfielders aren’t necessarily comparable as one plays more as an eight whilst the other operates as a six, the younger of the two has greater potential.
Furthermore, it is arguable that he is already a better player than the West Ham captain, despite being four years his junior.
Liverpool do need to bring in a defensive midfielder alongside Bellingham this summer, but the club are likely to opt for a younger and cheaper option than Rice – who would otherwise break Jurgen Klopp’s transfer budget.