Gilberto Silva has named three things that make Declan Rice such an important player for Arsenal this season.
The England international has been a revelation for the Gunners since joining last year from West Ham for a club-record £105m, with Rice looking like a bargain signing having adjusted flawlessly to life at Arsenal.
Nominated for Premier League Player of the Season, Rice has seen his game transform under Mikel Arteta from a defensive midfielder to a left-sided no. 8, with Arsenal reportedly expected to move for a partner for the 25-year-old this summer.
And Gilberto has noted what makes Rice so good for Arsenal.
Gilberto lauds ‘powerful’ Rice and his impact at Arsenal
Speaking to the Mirror, the Arsenal legend listed off how Rice is a dream midfielder, with the England star capable of winning the ball as well as driving up the pitch with a powerful running style.
With Arteta unlocking a new dynamic to Rice’s game this year, there’s a good case to be made that the 25-year-old is the most well-rounded midfielder in the Premier League in terms of defensive stability and attacking output.
And Gilberto has been very impressed with what he’s seen from Rice this season, with the former West Ham man only getting better at Arsenal alongside some truly world-class players.
Gilberto said: “It helps a lot because you don’t depend only on just a few players to score goals, which is important because, as you know, the season is quite long, it’s very difficult. Declan is powerful, he gets the ball back from the opponent, but also with the run forward.”
Rice is already on course to become an Arsenal legend
Rice’s impact in north London has been nothing short of unprecedented, with the former Chelsea academy prospect establishing himself as one of Arteta’s most important and best players in just one season.
And as a result, Arsenal could be looking a potential club legend if Rice continues to perform at his current pace, with the midfielder putting in elite performances seemingly every week.
Indeed, an Arsenal side without Rice would feel strange, such is the 25-year-old’s importance in north London, and the England international will reach legend status in the coming years if he can continue to perform.
