"Who is he?" - Sam Allardyce responds to pundit who claimed Arsenal superstar Declan Rice is 'overrated'

Sam Allardyce has asked who James McClean is after the Wrexham winger labeled Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice 'overrated.' The Irishman insisted England fans get carried away by their admiration of the former West Ham United captain.

Allardyce laughed at McClean's comments and told him to ask Mikel Arteta about what Rice, 25, has brought to the Gunners. He told betting company William Hill:

"Who is he? James McClean? Who is he? Ask Mikel Arteta what he’s done for Arsenal last year."

Declan Rice joined Arteta's side from West Ham United last summer in a club-record £105 million deal, including add-ons. He was an ever-present for the north Londoners, posting seven goals and 10 assists in 51 games across competitions.

McClean ripped into Rice amid his participation at Euro 2024 with England. The Irishman claimed he isn't on Rodri and Toni Kroos' level:

"I think Declan Rice is 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... I don't think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world-class, He dictates the game."

Rice struggled in England's 1-1 draw against Denmark, and many argued that he needed a different midfield partner than Trent Alexander-Arnold. Gareth Southgate opted to experiment by putting the Liverpool right-back in central midfield.

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Dwight Yorke thinks James McClean might be bitter about Arsenal's Declan Rice switching nationality

Dwight Yorke suggested James McClean may have ulterior motives with his comments.

Dwight Yorke weighed in on the Declan Rice debate, and he could understand McClean's point of view. He highlighted the 53-cap England international's club campaign but touched on his 'average' Denmark performance.

The Manchester United legend told Best Payout Online Slots:

"Declan Rice had a tremendous season and is one of England's main players. Although Arsenal came up short, he made a real impact at the club. He's crucial for England, you have to get the maximum out of him. But he was very average against Denmark, and you can see what James McClean is trying to say."

That said, Yorke pointed out how McClean might be bitter because Rice switched nationality from the Republic of Ireland to England:

"One game does not define a player, however. There might be a bit of bitterness because Rice switched nationality, but I can't say for sure."

Rice was arguably Arsenal''s standout performer last season and adapted seamlessly to life at the Emirates. England's Euro 2024 campaign has been disappointing thus far, but it's only been two games.