Declan Rice has been inspiring Arsenal’s next generation behind the scenes at Hale End.
When Rio Ferdinand described Rice as a leader of today’s generation, there were no disputes.
The Arsenal midfielder is a part of Mikel Arteta’s leadership group for a reason, but it’s not just his first-team teammates that he’s inspiring.
In Arsenal’s academy, one player is receiving guidance from Rice, and it’s fair to say it’s paying off.
Fill in the blank: Right now, I see __________ as the strongest leader in this Arsenal squad…
Declan Rice has inspired Arsenal academy star Ife Ibrahim
Arteta has reaped the benefits of the talent that Arsenal’s academy has produced over the years, and could be about to profit from Hale End once again.
18-year-old Ife Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract at Arsenal, and the future looks particularly bright for the teen for one reason.
Having Rice as a mentor is huge for any player, particularly a midfielder like Ibrahim, who has sought advice from the England international.
Upon penning his first professional deal, Ibrahim revealed the impact Rice is already having on his career.
“I play, at the moment, centre defensive mid. I like to start the attack, break lines, intercept and drive with the ball,” Ibrahim told Arsenal’s official website.
“He [Rice] gives me tips and always tells me great stuff, so I think I look up to him most in the first team. He’s just great, he’s a great guy and has helped me integrate into the squad.”
It’s not peculiar for the £105m signing to be seen as a mentor for academy players, as Rice has been looking after Max Dowman since his rise in the first team.
For Ibrahim, the future is so bright, as after committing his future to Arsenal, he’ll have a role model in Rice to call upon for the foreseeable.
Ibrahim is eyeing an Arsenal breakthrough
Who knows if Arsenal have the next Rice carving out his future in the academy?
It’s certainly on Ibrahim’s mind, as he told the Gunners after signing his new deal that his goal for the season is to break through.
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“My aims are to try and get into the first team, break in and make my debut,” he said.
Right now, it has to be said that the teenager’s words represent more than merely an aspiration, as if there’s one area Arsenal need some additional inspiration, it’s the midfield.
Outside of Rice and Martin Zubimendi, Arteta’s options are scarce, giving Ibrahim something to aim for as the season progresses.
The talented central midfielder has an achievable goal to work towards, a dream he’s had since joining Arsenal at the age of seven.
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