‘Look at Modric, Kroos or Scholes’ - Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal target slammed

Retired footballer Graeme Souness has challenged Declan Rice to improve various aspects of his game in order to be considered a world-class midfielder.

The England international is expected to leave West Ham United and has been linked with top Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal.

However, for him to be regarded as a top player, Souness has suggested areas for improvement.

"In an earlier column this season, I wrote that Declan Rice still had much to prove in certain areas of his game to be regarded as a really top-class central midfield player," Souness said.

"He needs to get on the half-turn more when he receives the ball from his defenders and play it forward more, and not be content with going back to where it came from and square with his passes.

‘And he needs to chip in with more goals. He has scored twice in the Premier League this season in 26 games, and it’s not enough.

Rice –who is one of the most consistent players in the Premier League and has been a regular for England over the past five seasons – lacks some qualities of a top midfielder, according to Souness.

"I watched the game against Italy [during the Euro qualifier], and the same things were on show. Any world-class midfield player is on the half-turn most of the time and looking to play forward," he added.

"How many times did Rice do that in Naples? Not nearly enough for me. Get some videos of Kroos and Modric playing in their midfield roles for Real Madrid. Or go back a few years and watch Paul Scholes.

"As we saw against Italy, he has mastered the defensive side of the job. But I just think he has to strive to be better and never be content with his lot. That’s what great players do.

"Will he end up one day as a central defender — which I think is very possible — or does he want to be a top, top central midfield player starring in the Champions League every season?"

Rice passed 200 appearances for West Ham earlier in the season and has 40 caps for England.