Mikel Arteta believes Declan Rice can improve further at Arsenal ahead of his midfield battle with Chelsea’s Fernandez and Caicedo.
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists Declan Rice has even more to offer ahead of his midfield clash with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
The trio, who cost a combined £300 million, have been standout Premier League performers this season.
They will feature when league leaders Arsenal visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Rice recently revealed he voted for Caicedo in his team of the year selection.
Arteta expressed confidence his player will continue developing.
“Now, being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him in the way I have done, we are going to get more” from Rice, said the Arsenal boss.
“He wants more, the team knows him better, his role is growing around the team.”
Arteta highlighted Rice’s significant impact on the squad.
The manager has expanded Rice’s game by using him in advanced midfield positions rather than his traditional defensive role.
“I knew him for a long time and I knew how he could evolve and change the team,” Arteta explained.
“He has certainly done it and probably improved on those expectations.”
Arteta also praised Rice’s leadership qualities as Arsenal chase their first Premier League title since 2004.
The England international previously captained West Ham United.
“He comes here to a new club, a new environment, and there were things already set, but he has earned the right to increase that role,” Arteta noted.
Rice now serves in Arsenal’s leadership group despite not wearing the captain’s armband.
“He doesn’t need to wear the armband to feel really connected, really powerful and really important in the team,” Arteta concluded. – AFP
