Declan Rice has now revealed one key lesson he learned from Mikel Arteta and one former Arsenal star he worked with at West Ham United.
The psychological aspect of football is taken very seriously at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta makes sure to impress upon his players the importance of how they present themselves on and off the pitch.
Arteta is known to be a big believer in the importance of body language, and Declan Rice is now in full agreement with the Spanish coach.
The midfielder is a natural leader. He wore the armband for West Ham United prior to his switch to the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window. Arteta has since tipped Rice to be an Arsenal captain in the future.
Declan Rice reveals connection with former Arsenal star Matthew Upson
The England star has now opened up about his thoughts on the importance of body language and where his understanding of it has come from.
Speaking to Men’s Health, the 25-year-old said: “The manager [Arteta] has talked to us about how our brains work. It’s easy to go into your shell if you make a bad pass, or if you give the ball away and the opposition score. But I’ve learned not to dwell on mistakes.
“I was mentored by Matty Upson at West Ham, and when I was in the U-21s, he could see my head would go down if I made an error. He told me body language is so important, and people can read it. So you have to puff your chest out sometimes and forget about things when they go wrong.”
Declan Rice hits new level at Arsenal
Matthew Upson has done some coaching as part of the West Ham academy since hanging up his boots. In his playing career he represented both the Hammers and Arsenal.
The former centre-back began his career in North London, and made 57 appearances for the Gunners, winning one Premier League title, before moving on in 2002.
The 45-year-old was clearly an influential figure during Rice’s youth, which has helped to prepare him for life under Arteta.
Rice has slotted in seamlessly at Arsenal this season. He hit the ground running quickly and hasn’t looked back since. He has also take his own game to a new level under the guidance of Arteta.
Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew recently revealed that Rice would have been his pick for the Premier League player of the season award.