Declan Rice: Mikel Arteta's Secret to Unlocking Arsenal's Midfield Maestro
Declan Rice has been making waves this season, and the accolades are pouring in. Is he the best midfielder Arsenal has ever seen? Some are already calling him a future captain for England.
At 27 years old, Rice is having a breakout season, playing a pivotal role in propelling Arsenal to the top of the Premier League. His standout performance against Liverpool, where he was named player of the match, only solidified his growing reputation.
With five assists already to his name, Rice leads the league in that category, and all his contributions have come from open play. This spike in his output can be attributed to Mikel Arteta's tactical shift, which has allowed him to showcase more of his attacking skills.
Since joining Arsenal in 2023, Rice has contributed to 55 goals through scoring and assists—a remarkable feat for a player often celebrated for his relentless energy. Arteta had an important chat with Rice at the season's start, indicating he wanted more than just the “lighthouse” role he previously assigned him.
After the match against Liverpool, Rice reflected on their conversation, emphasizing how the new position suits him best. He explained, "I've played in various roles, but this season, I’m focusing on creating chances and being involved in all aspects of the game. Whatever the manager decides, I'm ready to adapt."
Rice thrives on rhythm, preferring to play frequently to find his groove. However, after a taxing season with 55 appearances for Arsenal and a World Cup run with England, the wear and tear began to show. This year, the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has allowed him to rest for EFL Cup matches, and he was even given a break by England during the last international window.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has hailed Rice as "world class," placing him among the greatest midfielders Arsenal has ever had. Carragher declared, "He's the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate."
Kai Havertz also acknowledged Rice's influence on his winning goal against Liverpool, stating that "90%" of the credit for the goal belongs to Rice for his work ethic and quality assist.
Arsenal's midfield has seen more rotation this season, making it a nightmare for opposing defenses. Rice has been instrumental at the base of the midfield but, thanks to Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly, he's been able to push higher up the pitch as well.
Despite the changes, Rice has started every Premier League and Champions League match so far, playing a crucial role in Arsenal's strong start to the season. Talks regarding a new contract are ongoing, with Arteta expressing confidence that Rice wants to remain with the club for the long haul.
