Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says he has been “a little disappointed” with Declan Rice since his £105m move to Arsenal at the start of last season.

The TNT Sports pundit firmly believes that the 25-year-old is a holding midfielder and he doesn’t agree with Mikel Arteta and others who think he should be playing further forward:

“I’m a little disappointed with him because I think he’s been put in a place where we don’t really know what he is anymore.”

“Is he that holding midfield player? Is he the one, I’ve heard people like Gary Neville say he should be the one getting forward, scoring goals.”

“I’ve never seen him that way. I think he’s almost become a little bit stuck in not really knowing what he is and Arteta knowing what he is.”

Rice has shown what he is capable of in more advanced positions

Last season, the England international scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists in 51 appearances. He had never managed to produce as many goal contributions in one season before.

Although Rice has been less prolific this time around (3 goals and 7 assists), it is still superior to what he was producing during his time at West Ham.

Things could change at Arsenal next season

With Thomas Partey and Jorginho both expected to leave the Emirates when their contracts expire in the summer, Arteta may decide to change Rice’s role in the squad.

Martin Zubimendi is expected to be brought in from Real Sociedad and, while the Spaniard is usually deployed as a No.6, he is more in the mould of Jorginho.

If the club don’t find a like-for-like replacement for Partey, it stands to reason that Rice would be the man to step up and play as the deepest-lying midfielder.

Read our exclusive interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips as he talks about Arsenal’s striker dilemma and a potential move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.