Mikel Arteta is confident that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has even more to offer as the team prepares for a showdown against Chelsea, who boast the formidable duo of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.
These three players represent an investment exceeding £300 million ($397 million), with each signing for over nine figures, marking them among the top talents in the Premier League this season.
This week, Rice mentioned that he voted for Caicedo in his 2024-25 team of the year, fueling ongoing discussions about who is the superior player. However, Arteta remains optimistic about Rice’s potential to elevate his performance despite his already impressive consistency over the last year.
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When asked if this is Rice’s best form, Arteta responded, “Perhaps a year or two ago, but now, being with him daily, understanding him and connecting as we do, I believe we will see even more growth.
“He desires to improve, the team has a better grasp of his capabilities, and his role is evolving. His impact on the squad is immense.
“I have known him for quite some time and recognized how he could evolve and transform the team. He has certainly met and perhaps surpassed those expectations.”
While Rice’s standout performances at West Ham came in a deeper role, Arteta has helped him unlock new dimensions to his game in a more advanced midfield position.
The long-time Gunners manager couldn’t pinpoint a specific match that swayed his decision to sign Rice but always envisioned his current role for him.
“I’d need to think about it, but typically, seeing a player live and sensing their energy, presence, and charisma, in addition to their skill set, is something else,” Arteta reflected.
“When I saw him play, I thought, ‘This is a special player.’ To be fair, I had envisioned another position for him that was a bit deeper, where he could fulfill a different role, but he has the versatility to adapt to anything we ask of him.
“Currently, positioning him further forward is proving much more beneficial for the team.”
Rice’s emergence as a leader at Arsenal has intensified in recent seasons, and he has expressed his aspiration to help guide the club to trophies.
Arteta remarked, “His contribution is enormous. He was the captain at West Ham and now finds himself in a new environment with pre-established structures, yet he has rightfully earned a greater role.
“He is becoming increasingly vital in everything we do; he’s part of the leadership group, which holds significant importance.
“His presence is undeniable. He doesn’t need to wear the captain’s armband to feel genuinely connected, influential, and essential within the team.”