Declan Rice has considerably enhanced Arsenal’s squad, making him my signing of the season.
Transitioning from West Ham with top-six ambitions to a membership competing within the Champions League and for Premier League titles represents a major change in strain Nevertheless, Rice has fearlessly coped with the added scrutiny and the load of a £100 million price ticket.
Rice has efficiently tailored his recreation to suit Arsenal’s type of play. Whereas at West Ham, he primarily targeted on defensive duties, however at Arsenal, the place possession dominance is essential, he has demonstrated his means on the ball and offered progressive passes.
Moreover, he has contributed essential targets once in a while. His seamless transition has been outstanding.
The England midfielder’s performances have been distinctive, making him Arsenal’s standout participant. This achievement is especially spectacular contemplating the present high quality inside Mikel Arteta’s dressing room.
With Thomas Partey sidelined as a consequence of harm, Rice has predominantly operated as Arsenal’s deepest midfielder. Nevertheless, in a current match in opposition to Liverpool, when Jorginho joined the midfield, Rice had the prospect to showcase his talents by urgent increased up the pitch. Liverpool struggled to contend along with his athleticism in the course of the recreation.
The 25-year-old returns to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the place he beforehand confronted jeers from a portion of West Ham followers in the course of the Carabao Cup conflict earlier this season.
Rice might doubtlessly face off in opposition to his England teammate Kalvin Phillips. Phillips has skilled a difficult begin to his tenure as a West Ham participant, making a few errors which have resulted in targets.
One thing to control for Sunday is the midfield battle between the aforementioned pair. Why? As a result of the on-loan Manchester Metropolis midfielder is seen because the Declan Rice ‘alternative’. So it is going to be attention-grabbing to see which England worldwide comes out on prime in the course of the park.
A win for the Gunners would transfer them degree on 52 factors with Manchester Metropolis, and two factors behind league leaders Liverpool.
The Hammers have a watch on a top-six end this season, and a victory over Arsenal would transfer them on to 39 factors, quickly a single level above Manchester United, who journey to Aston Villa within the late Sunday afternoon kick-off.