Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised midfielder Declan Rice, insisting the England international has even more to offer as the Gunners prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The clash will see Rice up against Chelsea’s high-profile midfield duo, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, with the combined cost of the trio exceeding £300 million ($397 million).
Rice, who previously voted for Caicedo in his 2024/25 team of the year, has impressed Arteta since joining Arsenal.
“Being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him the way I have, we are going to get more from him,” Arteta said. “Because he wants more, the team knows him better, his role is growing, and the impact he has on the team is huge.”
Arteta has expanded Rice’s game beyond the deeper defensive role he held at West Ham, deploying him in a more advanced midfield position.
“I knew him for a long time before signing him and I knew how he could evolve and change the team. He has certainly done it and probably improved on those expectations,” Arteta added.
The Arsenal boss also emphasized Rice’s leadership qualities, which he sees as vital in the club’s pursuit of a first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season.
“He’s in the leadership group, which is very important. He doesn’t need to wear the armband to feel connected, powerful, and important in the team,” Arteta said.
As Arsenal aim to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the table, Rice’s influence both on and off the ball could prove decisive in their title charge.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
