Former Netherlands and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has criticized Declan Rice’s performance in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million last summer, played all 90 minutes in the final and completed more passes than any of his teammates. However, Van der Vaart, who was a standout player for Spurs during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, blasted the 25-year-old for not playing enough forward passes. He questioned Rice’s price tag, stating that a player worth £100 million should be able to play forward passes.
Declan Rice pictured after England’s loss in the Euros final
Arsenal midfielder Rice in action during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin
Rafael van der Vaart, pictured in 2022, did not hold back in his assessment of Rice
Speaking on NOS, Van der Vaart said: “£100 million for Declan Rice… what does he do? He comes to collect the ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth £100 million, then you should be able to play a forward pass.”
Rice pictured walking past the trophy after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat
Van der Vaart was a fan favorite during his time at Tottenham
Van der Vaart, who scored 25 goals in 109 appearances for the Netherlands, including one at Euro 2012, contrasted Rice’s performance with his own impressive international career.