Declan Rice signed for Arsenal from West Ham in the summer.
Arsenal’s decision to sign Declan Rice from West Ham for a club-record fee was a serious statement of intent by the Gunners. More than just a defensive-minded midfielder, Rice is very much the complete package, blending physicality with intelligence. He’s a defensive shield that can also drive the team forward. Since arriving at the Emirates, Rice has established himself as a pivotal figure, adding a sense of stability in the middle of the park that had been lacking previously.
A Much-Needed Defensive Shield
Prior to Rice’s arrival, Arsenal’s defensive frailties, particularly in transition, were often exposed. It’s why they weren’t one of the fancied teams in Premier League betting outright markets. Rice has come into the building and significantly boosted this area of the team. His ability to read opposition attacks and make interceptions has allowed Arsenal to regain possession quickly. He can screen the back four effectively, press high up the pitch, and recover the ball. His defensive awareness is a much-needed defensive shield in front of the back four.
Ball Progression and Driving Runs
While Rice is renowned for his defensive acumen, he also has great ball-carrying ability, and this has been just as impressive. He makes driving runs from midfield, and they add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, allowing the team to transition from defence to attack rapidly. For a player of his physical stature, Rice is a strong dribbler, and he has a forward-thinking mentality that sees the Gunners breaking the lines often.
Tactical Flexibility
Rice is versatile. And it’s not just that he can play in defence and midfield. Rice can operate as a single pivot, which allows the team’s more creative players, such as Martin Odegaard, to push forward. Or, alongside Thomas Partey, Rice is in a position to offer more defensive security. This flexibility gives manager Mikel Arteta plenty of tactical options depending on the opposition and the flow of the game. Rice is also quick to adapt to on-pitch situations, which in turn means Arsenal are. If Arteta wants to switch systems in play, he can do so without losing balance.
Leadership and Mentality
Rice may only be twenty-five years old, but he’s already developed leadership qualities beyond his years. Rice learned from Mark Noble during his time at West Ham and replaced him as captain. He also skippered West Ham during big moments, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead. Rice arrived at Arsenal and took on responsibility from the get-go. He’s a vocal presence on the pitch and leads by example through his tireless work-rate. Rice sets the standard for his teammates, and coupled with his winning mentality, he will play a crucial role in leading the way at Arsenal and England for years to come.
Some questioned the big fee paid to West Ham for Rice, but he’s already proving to be a key asset for Arsenal in their quest to become Premier League champions once again. And, as he’s still in his mid-twenties, his best is yet to come, so his impact will become even more significant in the coming seasons.
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