Mikel Arteta Believes Declan Rice Has Peak Ahead, Is 'Getting Better Every Day'
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence in Declan Rice's ability to continue evolving and improving as a player. The 26-year-old England midfielder has been instrumental in the team's recent victories against Tottenham and Bayern Munich, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
When asked if he thought Rice had reached his peak, Arteta said that while it was possible "a year or two ago," his time with Arsenal has given him a deeper understanding of the player's potential. "Now being with him every single day and connecting with him in the way I have, we're going to get more," Arteta claimed.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for Β£105m, was initially signed as a defensive midfielder but has transformed into a box-to-box player that allows him to have more of an impact on the game. His ability to adapt to different situations is one of his key strengths, according to Arteta, and he believes Rice will continue to grow in importance.
"He can adapt to anything you throw at him," Arteta said. "But at the moment, forward thinking and anything that's in front of him is probably much more positive for the team."
Rice has also demonstrated leadership qualities, becoming a key player in the team's leadership group. His presence on the pitch is evident, not just through his performances but also through his influence off it.
"The team knows him better, his role is growing around the team," Arteta explained. "The impact that he has on the team is huge, and we'll find ways to make it even better."
Rice's growth has been attributed in part to the positive atmosphere within the squad, with Arteta sensing a renewed sense of determination and competitiveness among the players.
"Yes, but I sense that for a long time, and that's a great thing," Arteta said. "That desire, that willingness to win and do everything we have in our hands to be the best that we can... It's unquestionable, and they show with their actions every single day."
With Arsenal set to face Chelsea on Sunday, Rice will look to continue his impressive form against his former club. Despite concerns over Leandro Trossard's availability, Arteta remains hopeful that he will be fit enough to start the match.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence in Declan Rice's ability to continue evolving and improving as a player. The 26-year-old England midfielder has been instrumental in the team's recent victories against Tottenham and Bayern Munich, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
When asked if he thought Rice had reached his peak, Arteta said that while it was possible "a year or two ago," his time with Arsenal has given him a deeper understanding of the player's potential. "Now being with him every single day and connecting with him in the way I have, we're going to get more," Arteta claimed.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for Β£105m, was initially signed as a defensive midfielder but has transformed into a box-to-box player that allows him to have more of an impact on the game. His ability to adapt to different situations is one of his key strengths, according to Arteta, and he believes Rice will continue to grow in importance.
"He can adapt to anything you throw at him," Arteta said. "But at the moment, forward thinking and anything that's in front of him is probably much more positive for the team."
Rice has also demonstrated leadership qualities, becoming a key player in the team's leadership group. His presence on the pitch is evident, not just through his performances but also through his influence off it.
"The team knows him better, his role is growing around the team," Arteta explained. "The impact that he has on the team is huge, and we'll find ways to make it even better."
Rice's growth has been attributed in part to the positive atmosphere within the squad, with Arteta sensing a renewed sense of determination and competitiveness among the players.
"Yes, but I sense that for a long time, and that's a great thing," Arteta said. "That desire, that willingness to win and do everything we have in our hands to be the best that we can... It's unquestionable, and they show with their actions every single day."
With Arsenal set to face Chelsea on Sunday, Rice will look to continue his impressive form against his former club. Despite concerns over Leandro Trossard's availability, Arteta remains hopeful that he will be fit enough to start the match.