48-cap Arsenal star hailed as one of ‘the best two in the world’ after Burnley win

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has now hailed Declan Rice as one of the standout players in his position.

Declan Rice has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season.

The 25-year-old was once again a dominant force in the middle of the park as Arsenal stormed to a 5-0 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.

This result marked the Gunners’ second emphatic Premier League away victory in a row, as they beat Rice’s former club West Ham United by a record-breaking 6-0 margin at the London Stadium last time out. 

Whilst Rice did not get on the scoresheet against the Clarets, as he did in east London, he still played an instrumental role in helping Mikel Arteta’s side dominate the game and preserve yet another clean sheet. 

The north London club boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this season. With 25 matches now played in the top flight, Arsenal have only conceded 22 goals. The summer signing of Rice has played a huge role in making the Gunners a more solid outfit. 

The 48-cap England international is able to use his stamina and running power to patrol vast swathes of the pitch, allowing Arsenal to push forward in numbers, safe in the knowledge that he is on hand to stifle any potential opposition counterattacks should possession be lost.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice heralded by Paul Merson

The £105 million club-record signing is also a brilliant reader of the game, adept at foreseeing danger before it becomes a truly potent threat to the Arsenal goal. These are also skills that he will currently be developing further, as Rice is learning a lot from his veteran Arsenal teammate Jorginho.

Paul Merson already considers the Arsenal man to be an elite-level talent. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former midfielder, who made over 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1987 and 1997, said, “the defence has always got a chance because Declan Rice is so disciplined. You know, he sits there as a holding midfield player. Him and Rodri, for me, are the best two in the world, in my opinion. He is very disciplined. Even when it goes to 3-0 and 4-0, he’s not running around trying to nick a goal or spraying 60-yard passes. He just keeps it ticking over. He’s a great protection.”

Manchester City’s Rodri is an established modern great. The 27-year-old Spaniard has played a huge role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side to win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and one Champions League crown, amongst numerous other honours. For Rice to be considered in such company shows just how impressive a talent he is.

Rice came to Arsenal to help the Gunners win titles, and has been named as the player who could lead them to Champions League glory. If he can do that, his status as one of the best in the world will surely be cemented.