Rooney Explains Why Declan Rice is “Underrated” in Arsenal Title Tilt

LIVERPOOL : Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has provided a deep tactical analysis of the current Premier League landscape, focusing on the elite “detail” of Declan Rice and the surprising resurgence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

While Rice is often praised for his engine, Rooney argued that the Arsenal man’s technical intelligence is frequently overlooked. Watching from the stands at Everton, Rooney was struck by Rice’s ability to manipulate the game’s tempo.

“He was splitting center-backs, taking the ball off [Arsenal’s] center-backs, acting as a third center-back, then next minute he’s in the box,” Rooney observed. “Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated.”

Rooney believes this tactical flexibility makes Rice the most vital component of Mikel Arteta’s system as the Gunners aim to hold off Manchester City in the title race.

Viktor Gyokeres’ winner against Everton was his seventh goal of the season in all competitions

Rooney admitted that Everton were right to let Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave on a free transfer given his injury history, but he has been stunned by the striker’s transformation at Leeds United.

With five goals in his last five games, Calvert-Lewin is playing with a physicality that Rooney believes is rare in the modern English game. “He competes, he’s great in the air, he’s good in both boxes,” Rooney said, fueling speculation that the Leeds man could be the “wildcard” in Thomas Tuchel’s first major tournament squad.

Addressing the “lack of goals” from Viktor Gyokeres, Rooney urged Arsenal fans to look at the “gravity” the striker creates. By pinning veteran defenders like James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, Gyokeres allows Arsenal’s creative sparks—like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka—the freedom to roam.

“Should he score more goals playing in that team? Yeah, he should,” Rooney admitted. “But he does a job which helps other players.”

As the Premier League enters a pivotal stretch, Rooney’s insights highlight the fine margins between tactical utility and individual glory in the race for silverware and international recognition.