Following on from last night’s 2-1 win for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest one player stood out head and shoulders above his teammates. Declan Rice was crucial for his side as they claimed back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
The midfielder’s form this season for the Gunners has been sensational and it is why Rice is one of the first starters for Arsenal as they look to win the Premier League after 20 years.
Below I break down key reasons why Rice is so important for this Arsenal side and how he compares to Manchester City’s Rodri.
Captain and Natural Leader
Before making the 105-million-pound move to Arsenal in the summer Rice was the captain of West Ham. He has brought those attributes across to the Gunners as he is constantly marshalling his defenders and midfielders every game.
Whenever new signings enter a side, they tend to be reserved and shy as well as taking time to settle down, however, Rice has been the total opposite the midfielder has settled so quickly Arsenal fans are calling him the ‘English Patrick Vieira.’
Embed from Getty ImagesLine Breaker
A key feature of Declan Rice’s game is his passing which tends to break the opposition’s defensive shape and line. The Gunners utilise the Englishman to break into space and pockets which creates gaps for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to exploit.
Declan Rice is an all-round midfield player who plays in many different positions in midfield such as a deep defensive midfielder who sits in front of the back four or as a box-to-box attacking midfielder. This is crucial for Arsenal as they can opt for different formations and tactics depending on the opposition they play.
As well as this Arteta loves to have versatile players in his squad with Ben White shifted to a right back and Kai Havertz being used as a box-to-box midfield player despite playing as a striker for Chelsea last season.
Mikel Arteta
A lot of credit has to go down to Mikel Arteta and the way the Spaniard has utilised the Englishman so far this season. Arteta has used Rice as a CDM at the base of his defence which is where the Englishman excels with interceptions, tackles and blocks which help Arsenal retain possession and counter their opponents.
Embed from Getty ImagesSo far this season the Gunners have faced teams which look to sit back and defend before looking to counter and Rice has played a crucial role when his side is attacking. The midfielder picks the ball up and drives into the empty spaces to push his teammates forward and force the opposition to close him down making spaces for his teammates.
Rice has done this in games against Crystal Palace who played a back five at the Emirates as well as in last night’s game against Nottingham Forest who also played a back five with a defensive midfielder to stop Arsenal.
Rice vs Rodri
Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world Rodri has been instrumental in Manchester City winning the quadruple last season.
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Using Rodri as an indicator, statistics taken from the Premier League website show that whilst Rice has scored three goals and two assists for Arsenal this season Rodri has four goals and three assists despite playing five games fewer than the Englishman.
However, the Englishman excels his Spanish counterpart in blocks, interceptions, tackles and successful tackles. As well as this the pair are consistent starters for their respective teams having started all the games in the Premier League.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Arsenal are to win the Premier League then Declan Rice will be one of the important players in this side’s quest as they look to claim their first League title since 2004.
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