Arsenal summer signing Declan Rice has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and he is also thriving for his country.
Although England faltered to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil at Wembley Stadium last night, Rice was one of his side’s best players, and deserved to be on the winning team.
The 25-year-old was a rock in the middle of the park alongside Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, whilst Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher was below par in comparison.
England manager Gareth Southgate has now admitted that Rice has gone up a level since joining Arsenal and working under Mikel Arteta.
Gareth Southgate praises Declan Rice for development under Mikel Arteta
Speaking after England’s defeat on home soil, Southgate highlighted how Rice has reached new heights since his move from West Ham last summer.
“I thought Declan was outstanding throughout the game. With and without the ball he showed the next step he’s gone to,” he stated.
“He’s a crucial player for us anyway but he looked totally at home in that environment.”
How has Declan Rice improved since joining Arsenal?
Rice is already enjoying his best-ever season in terms of goal and assist output, having thrived in a more advanced role as well as at the base of midfield under Arteta.
Internationally, he still starts as the deepest midfielder, and has little licence to push forward, or take set pieces like he has been doing for Arsenal. However, his experience at Arsenal has helped him develop his leadership.
Rice has now played in a Champions League knockout round, and is also competing at the top of the Premier League. His ability to thrive under pressure in the biggest games will help his International career, and facing teams such as Brazil will no longer faze him.
The midfielder will face a challenging run-in with Arsenal as they aim to compete on two fronts, and the Champions League quarter-finals will be a huge test for him and his side.
Once the season has ended, Rice will then travel to Germany as one of England’s key players and leaders for the European Championships, and he will be much better prepared for the tournament after a year at Arsenal under Arteta than he ever was before.