Scott Minto has suggested that he would name one ‘sensational’ Arsenal star as his player of the year in the Premier League ahead of Phil Foden.
Heading into the penultimate weekend of the season, Arsenal top the Premier League table and will surely be ready to capitalise if Manchester City do slip up in their final three games.
It has been a remarkable response from Mikel Arteta’s side when you consider how disappointing it must have been to miss out on the title last year after coming so close.
For many, the key moment over the last 12 months for Arsenal may have come when they signed Declan Rice for a club-record deal.
Declan Rice tipped to beat Phil Foden to player of the year award
There was an element of risk attached to the deal given that it was not clear whether he would able to step up his game in the Arsenal team week-in, week-out, particularly after arriving for such a large fee.
But Rice has produced a number of colossal performances for the Gunners, scoring crucial early goals in the first-half of the season against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Luton. The importance of those moments increases as the finishing line gets closer and closer.
Of course, the Manchester City machine is in full flight, with the likes of Rodri and Phil Foden enjoying outstanding campaigns.
Foden won the Football Writers’ Player of the Year. But speaking on Premier League All Access, Scott Minto has suggested that he would say that Rice’s impact has been more important.
“I’d give it to Declan Rice. Rodri, I think, is not the sexiest Man City player, but I think he’s the most important. But he’s such an incredible player. Foden has been brilliant,” he said.
“But for me, the difference between the two and why I’d give it to Declan Rice is because what he’s done and what Foden’s done, sensational, and Foden, because of the goals and the assists in one sense looks better, but to handle that tag and take a club like Arsenal who just came so close last year, to take them to another level. We’ve seen Chelsea players go for £60, £80, £100 million and not be able to handle that price-tag; he has.”
A crucial moment for Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes
It is remarkable how seamlessly Rice has made the transition to the Arsenal team over this season. In truth, there appeared to be no settling in time required at all.
He appears to be so important to the balance of the side; providing cover for the backline while also making an impact in the final third.
And if Arsenal go on and win the title from here, many will point to the deal for Rice as a vital moment in helping Arteta’s men get across the line.