Arsenal fans were all surprised to see Declan Rice play at right-back against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Gunners absolutely dominated the game at the Emirates Stadium, but they made it hard for themselves at the end and had to fight to keep their lead.
Arsenal definitely deserved their win, but the margin of victory should’ve been a lot higher, and it is something Mikel Arteta will have to improve behind the scenes.
What the Spaniard won’t have to spend time improving is Rice.
Sum up Declan Rice’s performance at right-back in one sentence
Declan Rice’s response to Mikel Arteta asking him to play at right-back speaks volumes
Arsenal and injuries seem to be a match made in heaven.
Almost every player in the Gunners’ squad has missed a game due to injury this season. Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were the latest to join the list.
The Dutchman didn’t make the squad against Brighton, while although Calafiori was named in the starting line-up, he had to withdraw after difficulties during warm-up.
With Ben White also out injured, Arteta was without a senior right-back, so the Arsenal manager turned to Declan Rice and asked if he would play there.
The England international’s response shows his elite mentality.
Arteta said in his post-match press conference, as per Arsenal.com: “There are injuries with Jurrien, he landed awkwardly, and there’s something with Richy as well, very, very strange.
“But you speak to Declan and tell him he needs to play there as a right winger, and he said: ‘OK, I’m up for the challenge, I’m going to do my best.’ That attitude is great to witness.”
If Declan Rice was worth £105m in 2023, what would his value be in 2026?
Declan Rice proves he is Arsenal’s best player
It has always been difficult to pick who Arsenal’s best player is.
The obvious answer is Bukayo Saka because of everything he has done for the Gunners, while William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber and David Raya are all good shouts as well.
However, Rice proved against Brighton that he is above everyone else.
The England international has produced world-class performances for Arsenal as a number six, in a box-to-box role and now also at right-back.
He has been incredible in all of those positions, and we’re sure he will do a good job if he’s asked to play anywhere else on the pitch as well.
In our opinion, Rice is Arsenal’s best player and definitely among the best in the world right now.
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