Sam Allardyce has suggested what nobody talks about when it comes to Declan Rice, as he reflected on what he thought when watching the Arsenal star live for the first time.
Despite the huge transfer fee which took him to the Emirates, there is surely no question that Declan Rice has been an absolutely outstanding signing for the Gunners.
The 25-year-old has barely missed a minute in the Premier League. And it is remarkable how quickly he has settled into Mikel Arteta‘s side.
Rice has been so important to the balance of the Arsenal side. And he has formed an outstanding understanding with the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jorginho.
It should also be noted that Rice has scored a number of vital goals for the Premier League leaders. But perhaps his form should not come as a surprise.
Sam Allardyce shares what nobody mentions about Declan Rice
Rice had an amazing knack of stepping up to every challenge put in front of him at West Ham. And by the time he had left, he had lifted a European trophy in what would prove to be his final appearance for the club.
But speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, Sam Allardyce suggested that not enough is said about the fact that Rice started in the backline.
“By the way, started as a centre-half. Pushed him into midfield, probably because they needed him there. And nobody talks about where he was brought up. Most of the players start up [front], and you end up somewhere along the line. It’s not often they go from [defence] to [midfield]. And he’s handled it brilliantly,” he said.
“I watched him for the last game but one at Leeds, and I saw him live for the first time, and I’m on the touchline and thought, ‘oh god, no’. He battered us in midfield, just overran us.”
Arsenal’s key man
Rice does come across as the kind of player who could do a job in any position on the pitch, probably including in goal.
His versatility has been on show at Arsenal. He initially came in and appeared to be the rival for Thomas Partey in front of the defence. However, as time has gone on, he has thrived in a more attacking role. And he has now contributed three goals and four assists in his last five Premier League appearances.
He has now captained his country and brought up a half-century of appearances at international level.
And yet, it really feels as if there is so much more to come from the Arsenal man.
The post 'By the way': Sam Allardyce suggests what everybody forgets about 25-year-old Arsenal player appeared first on TBR Football.
