Paul Scholes has backed Declan Rice to operate as a regular right-back for Arsenal during their Premier League title sprint, suggesting the midfielder possesses the defensive credentials to plug the gap left by injuries. With Ben White sidelined following a knee injury sustained in Sunday's win over West Ham, and Jurrien Timber unavailable since mid-March, Arsenal face a critical defensive shortage in the run-in.
The Manchester United legend discussed Rice's positional versatility on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, drawing parallels to Roy Keane's flexibility during his Old Trafford days. Scholes noted Keane thrived in a makeshift defensive role when United's midfield was stretched, and believes Rice possesses similar attributes for such a transition. "He's not a big creator anyway," Scholes remarked, emphasizing that Rice's value stems from tactical discipline and physicality rather than attacking output.
Arsenal's Defensive Crisis and Title Race Stakes
Rice has already featured in a temporary right-back capacity before Cristhian Mosquera assumed the position. The 27-year-old England international has been pivotal to Arsenal's push for a first league title since 2004, contributing five goals and 11 assists across 53 appearances this season. Arsenal currently top the table with 79 points from 36 matches, holding a five-point lead over Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola's side possess a game in hand.
The Gunners face Burnley on Monday before concluding their domestic campaign at Crystal Palace. Manager Mikel Arteta must weigh whether to persist with Mosquera or deploy Rice in defence for the final matches. With the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on May 30 in Budapest, Arsenal cannot afford defensive vulnerabilities as they pursue a genuine title chance after years of near-misses in the Premier League.
