Arteta now credited for surprise ‘masterstroke’ that has set one Arsenal star ‘free’

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Former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe has now explained how Mikel Arteta has coaxed the best out of Declan Rice at Arsenal.

Declan Rice has taken his game to a new level at Arsenal this season.

Rice has been in sensational form this season. In recent weeks, Mikel Arteta has also taken to deploying the former West Ham United midfielder in a more advanced role.

Arteta has been plotting a more attacking role for Rice for some time. The 25-year-old has thrived whilst playing higher up the pitch in recent weeks. Rice has already enjoyed the best season of his career in front of goal so far. The player has netted six times in the Premier League this season, and has also laid on six assists for his teammates.

Rice has been allowed to take up this more advanced starting position by the presence of Jorginho in the side. The Italian veteran has proven his enduring quality in recent weeks, and his presence helps Arsenal to control and dominate matches.

With Jorginho at the base of the midfield trio, Rice is able to operate in one of the No. 8 roles, beside club captain Martin Odegaard. In this position, the England international is able to help the Gunners to win the ball back high up the pitch, and can also get into goalscoring positions himself.

How Mikel Arteta had guided Declan Rice to the next level

Robbie Mustoe has now had his say on Rice’s evolution as a player under Arteta. Speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast, he said, “the No. 8 part of his game now looks to be blooming perfect for him, and a bit of a masterstroke from the manager. Jorginho has set him free, basically. I don’t know if I saw that coming.”

It is now vital for Arsenal that Rice is able to stay fit and in-form for the rest of the season. The Gunners have some huge games coming up which he will be needed for. Not least on Tuesday evening, when Arsenal are set to host Porto at the Emirates Stadium for the second-leg of their Champions League round of 16 knockout tie.

Following that continental clash, Arsenal will next be back in Premier League action at the end of the month, when they will take on fellow Premier League title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. It will be fascinating to see how Arsenal approach that match. Arteta may well wish for Rice to revert back to his more traditional holding-midfield duties for that game.