Arsenal news – Declan Rice continues to impress since making his £105million switch in the transfer window.
“I see him like a lighthouse, he will light (up) the others and improve the others, and make the team better.” Those were the words of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta following the club-record signing of Declan Rice, with hopes that the midfielder will be able to take the team to the next level.
While it’s still early days, with just five Premier League games under their belt, Rice has managed to do just that for the Gunners so far. The England international has shown plenty of versatility, able to play in the deeper midfield role as well as a slightly more advanced position.
There have been some highlights already too, with the Manchester United clash providing the base to fully announce himself. While his all-round game was impressive, there was still time for a hero to step forward as the game was drawn until late on, Rice fired home a winner from a corner.
“I think a tremendous performance,” Arteta said on Rice’s performance. “When you look at how a holding midfielder needs to dominate his area, how he needs to break up play, how he glided the team together when they were stretched a bit. Then he produced a magic moment to win us the game, so, really happy with him.”
After a trip away with England during the international break, Rice played a huge part in helping the Gunners bring an end to their issues when facing Everton at Goodison Park – having failed to win there for years now. He did just that as part of a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Leandro Trossard strike.
Rice’s ability off the ball was crucial, having won four out of his six ground duels and making three ball recoveries, stopping the Toffees from transitioning well and failing to keep the ball. When in possession, the midfielder had a 93 per cent pass completion rate, completing 30 final third passes as well as a 100 per cent success rate on his dribbling.
It displayed yet again just how important the new addition to the team is, beating a side they otherwise had issues with. While it may be just a matter of a few points, they could prove invaluable at the end of the season, with £105million a bargain if the wait for a title can be overcome.
