Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has now gone into greater detail about the various tactical instructions he has been given by Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice has gone from strength to strength at Arsenal this season.
The Gunners paid a club-record £105 million fee to prise the 25-year-old away from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window. Since then, the midfielder has been a revelation at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal fans are convinced that Rice has already lived up to his hefty price tag.
Rice arrived at Arsenal with a reputation as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the Premier League, if not the world. However, Mikel Arteta has helped the England star to unlock extra dimensions in his game.
Arteta has encouraged Rice to push forward into more attacking areas, with impressive results. The player has shown that he is capable of making a real impact in the final third. This season, Rice has already racked up the best return of his career so far in terms of goals and assists, surpassing anything he achieved in his time with the Hammers.
How has Declan Rice been used by Mikel Arteta?
Rather than simply sitting at the base of the midfield, in the number six role, protecting the back four, Arteta has often deployed Rice in the number eight role, alongside club captain Martin Odegaard. This means that he is able to impact the game higher up the pitch.
As quoted by Hayters TV, the Arsenal man has now opened up about how he has adapted to these new tactical instructions. Rice said, “for Arsenal they are two completely different roles. The way Mikel wants his 6 to play is so different to how he wants his 8 to play. I think at times when I’ve been playing one up [as an 8] recently, I’ve been the highest man up the pitch, on some occasions. That’s, you know, unnatural to me, but I’ve been learning and I’ve been really, really enjoying it.”
“I’ve said all along I think my strongest position is 6…a lot of the play comes through me and it’s about always being present and always wanting the ball. I think the more I’ve played this season under Mikel, I’ve gained that confidence and I’ve got better every time he’s asked me to do it.”
Whatever Rice may say, he has looked very natural and comfortable in number eight role this season. He has shown that he has a propensity for being in the right place at the right time too, as he was when netted his late winners against both Manchester United and Luton Town.
How Jorginho has helped Declan Rice to shine for Arsenal
However, whilst plenty of credit should go to Rice, it is also worth mentioning those around him who have helped him to flourish in this role. Jorginho has excelled as a number six for Arsenal in recent weeks, and the 32-year-old’s presence at the base of the midfield provides the platform and freedom that Rice needs to push forward without leaving the Gunners exposed and vulnerable.
Rice has been mentored by Jorginho this season, and the veteran’s experience and composure is crucial to allowing Arteta’s tactical approach to function.