Pundit completely misses point with comments on West Ham’s Declan Rice and Leeds man Kalvin Phillips

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Stephen Warnock has proven that he is clueless with his comments on West Ham ace Declan Rice and Leeds star Kalvin Phillips.

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The former Liverpool and Leeds defender suggested that Whites ace Phillips should be ahead of Hammers man Rice in the midfield holding role for England, when speaking to Sky Sports on Monday (November 30th, 11:09 am):

“It was probably his best performance in a Leeds shirt in the Premier League. I think he was outstanding from start to finish. Personally I think he is (ahead of Rice in the England pecking order). I think the quality he shows, his ability to start attacks and his understanding of the game and breaking up play, I think he has a better passing range than Declan Rice. I don’t think Rice doesn’t have it, I just don’t think he has the confidence to do it at times.”

As West Ham fans, we may be a little biased. But let’s be honest here, Phillips isn’t even on the same level as the 21-year-old.

Rice is head and shoulders above the Leeds man, and he is three years younger.

Both players are holding central midfielders.

In 10 Premier League games this season, Rice has racked up 17 tackles, two blocks, 23 interceptions, 11 clearances and 72 ball recoveries (premierleague.com).

Meanwhile, Phillips has recorded 20 tackles, one block, 11 interceptions, six clearances and 61 ball recoveries (premierleague.com).

Warnock’s comments on Rice’s passing were fairly bizarre as well.

The West Ham ace’s pass completion rate in the Premier League this season stands at an impressive 86.3% whilst Phillips has recorded an 85.9% pass success rate (Who Scored).

Anyone who watches Rice regularly knows just how good his range of passing is. The 13-capped England international is not just a ball winning midfielder. He has so much more to his game.

And it’s about time people like Warnock start realising that. In truth, it matters little. He has just proven how clueless he is as a pundit. Either that or he doesn’t watch West Ham regularly and decided to wing it.

At the end of the day, Rice is a truly elite player, and he will keep getting better. Phillips is a good player in his own right. But let’s not get it twisted. He isn’t fit to lace Declan’s boots.