David Ornstein reveals ‘striking’ thing Declan Rice did to amaze Arsenal staff

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Declan Rice has been an influential figure on and off the pitch since his arrival at Arsenal, and many at the club have been impressed by him.

The midfielder has been a key reason why Arsenal now have one of the best defensive units in Europe, and are currently flying in the Premier League.

He arrived from West Ham for a club record fee, with the idea that he would play at the base of midfield, but he has also featured in more advanced roles, and is currently having his best-ever season in terms of goal and assist output.

Rice was Mikel Arteta’s dream signing last summer, and on the pitch he has been a revelation. Journalist David Ornstein has now highlighted what else has been remarkable about Rice, which has left Arsenal staff in awe at him.

Arsenal staff impressed by Declan Rice

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein revealed that Rice’s remarkable ability to learn tactical instructions quickly left people within Arsenal gobsmacked.

“Declan Rice is the game-changer for Arsenal. And whether it proves to be decisive in this season’s title race or not, we don’t know,” Ornstein stated.

“But he’s the perfect signing. He was exactly what Arsenal needed. He has it all, he has improved in areas that he needed to.

“From the very moment that he joined the club, you started to hear how quick a learner that he was on Mikel Arteta’s tactical instructions and strategies. Really hungry and eager to take feedback on board.

“It was striking to people watching inside the club how quickly he implemented it, whereas some players tend to take a little bit of time.”

How has Declan Rice improved since joining Arsenal?

Rice was already one of the Premier League’s best midfielders when he made the move across London, but his lack of goals and assists were highlighted.

He has scored two injury-time winning goals for Arsenal so far, and is one of five players with 10 or more goals and assists in all competitions, which is higher than he ever managed for West Ham.

Rice’s progressive passing has also improved to reach an elite level. His highest per 90 total at West Ham was 7.25 two seasons ago, but at Arsenal he is averaging 8.67 progressive passes per game, a significant jump.

The 24-year-old is constantly improving and learning more about Arteta’s system, and he has excelled in both defensive and more advanced midfield roles. Coupled with his leadership qualities and remarkable physical traits, he has been one of the best signings made by anyone in the summer.