England international Declan Rice has established himself as a valuable asset for Arsenal as well as a pillar in the Gunners’ midfield after coming from West Ham United for a record £105 million ($137 million). Despite displaying competency in a variety of areas required of a No. 8 midfielder, Mikel Arteta sees potential for improvement, particularly in Rice’s goal-scoring ability. Refining this part of Rice’s game, according to Arteta, will be the key to unlocking his full and formidable potential on the field.
Mikel Arteta claims Declan Rice can improve
Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal’s Declan Rice has a lot more to show in the match against West Ham tonight. The game is at the Emirates Stadium, and it’s an important London derby. Arsenal wants to be at the top of the Premier League again, and they can do that by winning against David Moyes’ team. Currently, Liverpool is leading by two points after winning 2-0 against Burnley on Boxing Day.
Rice played a big part in helping Arsenal get a draw in their game at Anfield last weekend. This shows why the Gunners spent a huge £105 million to get him in the summer. Now, he’s going to play against his old team for the second time this season. He was a substitute in the Carabao Cup match against the Hammers in November. Mikel Arteta thinks Rice can score more goals and make more assists, even though he has already scored three times this season.
“Every time you switch the TV on, they will be talking about Arsenal and talking about Declan Rice. When they put the price-tag you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way. He is a really humble guy and the way that he wants to learn and take positive criticism is really powerful. He has other levels to go. I love his presence on the pitch. He’s there and he’s got something special. I felt it when I played against him, that’s why I was mad to sign him,” Arteta said.
🔴⚪️ Arteta: “Every time you switch the TV on, they will be talking about Arsenal and talking about Declan Rice”.
“He’s very intelligent to manage that. When they put the price tag you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way”. pic.twitter.com/l69a3GbGtZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 28, 2023
“You get a feeling about players and I wanted him to be part of our team. He is playing more as a deeper role in the last few weeks but playing as a No.8 he can be an incredible player, he can be a centre back if he needs to step in if we need to. He has shown that he has an eye for goals when he is in the opponent’s box he is a real threat. That is something that can be developed, his leadership skill the way that he will naturally grow in the team and club in the years to come, there is much more from him,” he added.
