Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has now made a bold claim about one hugely impressive Arsenal player.
Declan Rice has lived up to, and perhaps even surpassed, all expectations at Arsenal this season.
Since joining the North London outfit for a club-record £105 million fee in the recent summer transfer window, the 25-year-old has been in sensational form.
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the impact that the former West Ham United man has been able to have at the Emirates Stadium. Rice has even been hailed as the best Arsenal signing since Dennis Bergkamp joined the club.
The midfielder has been able to have an impact at both ends of the pitch for the Gunners. Rice has enjoyed his best campaign in front of goal of his career so far, as he has racked up seven goals and ten assists.
Arteta has encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role this season, and has been rewarded with one of the best all-round midfielders in the Premier League. Rice now has his sights set on becoming the best box-to-box midfielder in world football.
Danny Murphy blown away by Declan Rice and his transition to life at Arsenal
Danny Murphy has been wowed by the 52-cap England man this season. Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: “There can be no higher compliment to pay Declan Rice than to say he’s en route to becoming another Rodri, the most important player at Manchester City.
“Rice is one of the players of the season. You can’t believe it’s his first season at Arsenal. The transition after leaving West Ham has been seamless…The fit with Arsenal looks perfect, from being in London to the connection with Arteta.”
Rice has truly taken Arsenal to another level this season. He has added steel, character, energy, and physicality to the Gunners’ midfield unit. Recognising his natural leadership skills, Arteta has even tipped Rice to be a future Arsenal captain.
Where Declan Rice wants to take Arsenal
The player truly did settle into life in red and white very quickly. He hit the ground running at Arsenal and hasn’t looked back since. This meant that pressure was never given the chance to really build up on him due to his price tag. Arsenal fans are convinced that Rice has already lived up to his fee.
Rice now needs to build on this impressive maiden campaign in North London. He will be desperate to lead the club to bigger and better successes in the years to come. A player of his quality will be aiming to claim the biggest prizes in the game. He has the quality to take Arsenal to such heights.
