Former England manager, Sam Allardyce mocked James McClean over the recent criticism of Declan Rice.
McClean’s comments last week caused a stir when he labelled the Arsenal man as ‘very overrated’ and ‘not world class’.
Clearly Allardyce was miffed by his claims and speaking on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast alongside Bolton Wanderers legend Kevin Nolan and presenter Natalie Pike he hit back at the Irishman.
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“Who is he?” laughed Allardyce when asked about McClean’s comments.
“Who is he, James McClean? Who is he?. Ask Mikel Arteta… what he (Declan Rice) has done for Arsenal last year.”
Nolan then added: “Knowing Dec, that would have just made him laugh and don’t get me wrong, he didn’t have his best game in an England jersey.
“But that’s one in… I reckon 60. He’s had one bad game in 60 for England. I thought he’s been brilliant every time I’ve watched him.”
Nolan continued: “Just going back to him (McClean). I can’t believe he’s said that and had the cojones to actually say it because Declan Rice is one of the best in the world at what he does.”
Allardyce concluded: “He (McClean) might be saying that to keep himself popular on the television.
Who is James McClean? 👀🍿
I don't think Big Sam agrees with James' opinion that Declan Rice is 'overrated'#NoTippyTappyFootball #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/IBJXoD9SNl
— No Tippy Tappy Football (@NoTippyTappyPod) June 22, 2024
Speaking on RTE Sport McClean had said on Rice: “I feel Declan Rice is very overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.
“For me, he’s not world class. To me, world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that.
“I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. I know Toni Kroos is now retiring, but to me, Toni Kroos is world class. He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
“He’s not someone who is going get on the half-turn and play passes forward. He is very good at what he does.”
Do you think Declan Rice is world class? Let us know in the comments.
He just hates the English
Dec is definitely World class
Silly sweaty sock clueless like there manager
WHO IS JAMES McCLEAN ???
Whopper