Arsenal star Declan Rice explains what sets ‘perfect’ former Spurs icon apart

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has heaped praise on Harry Kane.

Declan Rice has recently returned to Arsenal, having spent the international break on duty with England.

Whilst representing the Three Lions, Rice spent time with former Tottenham Hotspur icon Harry Kane.

Whilst Spurs are the Gunners fiercest rivals, there is no denying that Kane, who now plies his trade for German giants Bayern Munich, is a world class player and one of the great goalscorers of the Premier League era.

There is little love lost between Arsenal and Tottenham, but when on international duty, Rice would be wise to take the opportunity to learn from the likes of Kane. The 24-year-old recognises that Kane possesses certain qualities that have elevated him throughout his career.

In an interview with The Times, the Arsenal man lavished praise on his England teammate, saying, “they say your prime is 27, 28 — they used to say that. But now there are so many players performing in their thirties. Harry is so focused and level-headed, the perfect example for all of us.”

Rice shares traits with Kane

Rice is just entering into what ought to be his prime years as a player. If he can raise his game to even greater heights in the next couple of seasons, and maintain that level into his thirties, emulating Kane, then Arsenal will have a world class asset in the middle of the park for a long time to come.

Kane is also a leader. Mikel Arteta has already made it clear that he sees similar traits in Rice. The north London outfit paid a club-record fee of £105 million in the recent summer transfer window to prise Rice away from West Ham United for what he offers off the pitch, as well as for what he provides on it.

The 46-cap England star has made a bright start to life at the Emirates Stadium, quickly cementing himself as a key figure in the regular starting XI. With the quality and potential that he obviously has, Rice may well go on to follow in Kane’s footsteps and establish himself as a Premier League great.