Gerrard backs Rice after Keown raises Souness criticism

Steven Gerrard defended Declan Rice during TNT Sports coverage of Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich, interrupting Martin Keown as he raised Graeme Souness’s criticism of the midfielder. Gerrard called Rice a world-class midfielder and praised his goal. Keown began to refer to the view that Rice was not a top midfield player. Gerrard replied, “Oh, forget about that, Martin,” then said Keown was thinking about matters from his other television appearances. He added that Rice did not need to prove himself because of discussion on other shows. The exchange followed Rice’s late equaliser at the Allianz Arena, which secured a point for Arsenal. Gerrard had been discussing the match and Rice’s performance when Keown brought up Souness’s assessment. The remarks were made during the live broadcast; the accounts of the exchange reproduce the same televised discussion. Souness’s earlier comments about Rice have included questioning whether he is a top midfielder. One account also described his view that Rice plays between centre-backs rather than as a holding midfielder. Keown had previously defended Rice publicly, but the broadcast exchange focused on Gerrard’s...