Arsenal star now labelled ‘an absolute trojan’ for doing one key thing so well

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Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has praised Arsenal star Declan Rice for his most recent performance. 

Declan Rice was once again excellent in the middle of the park as Arsenal beat Sevilla in their Champions League clash on Tuesday evening. 

The 24-year-old midfielder has hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium since his club-record £105 million switch from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window.

Playing in a slightly more advanced role against the Spanish side, Rice was tasked with some unfamiliar duties by Mikel Arteta. However, the £240,000-a-week ace was able to rise to the occasion. 

Rice has a lot responsibility in this Arsenal team. He is expected to provide a shield for the Gunners’ rearguard, drive forward when in possession of the ball, and contribute in the final third. Few players have the quality to cope with such a remit, but the 46-cap England international has been practically faultless so far this season.

Declan Rice given difficult role at Arsenal

Craig Burley has been impressed by what he’s seen from Rice. Speaking on ESPN in the wake of the Sevilla match, he said, “let me tell you. Declan Rice, once again, in the middle of the park, an absolute trojan in there. The work he’s doing. Defensively, offensively, linking all the plays from defence to attack. It was a really big display.”

With Thomas Partey currently sidelined with injury, and club captain Martin Odegaard struggling to produce his best form, Rice is having to do a lot of the heavy lifting in midfield for Arsenal at the moment. His all action display against Sevilla went a long way towards ensuring that the Gunners held on to their lead all the way up to the final whistle.

Playing this ‘linking’ role between attack and defence is no easy task. It is a huge test physically. Rice’s stamina and powers of concentration will be tested as he is required to get up and down the pitch relentlessly and be constantly alert to the danger of a potential counter attack.