has defended himself from ‘harsh’ criticism from Graeme Souness after the Liverpool legend accused the midfielder of being ‘limited’.
Souness accused Rice of only having one of the three defining qualities that make a midfielder world class, when he praised the 24-year-old’s ball-winning abilities.
The Scot said Rice didn’t offer enough creativity nor score enough goals, therefore feeling he is ‘limited’.
It was backed up by Roy Keane following West Ham’s defeat to in the , when the Irishman said you expect to see more from a player of Rice’s standing.
But Rice has hit back at Souness by suggesting he hasn’t watched enough of West Ham if he feels he’s ‘limited’.
‘It’s harsh,’ Rice said.
‘I think it’s harsh because Souness doesn’t watch every week. There’s loads of West Ham fans, 60,000 go every week, and see what I do. To say I’m only good at one of three is harsh.
‘But Souness was a top midfielder and when someone like him speaks you have to sometimes listen and take on board where you can improve if that’s true.’
Speaking about Keane’s criticism, Rice said he has to take the rough with the smooth after earning praise from the Manchester United legend in the past.
‘Roy as well, he’s said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well,’ Rice said.
‘You take it with a pinch of salt and try not to let it affect you.’
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