Declan Rice reveals the one key role he’s now trying to really ‘nail down’ at Arsenal

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Declan Rice has now opened up about his role at Arsenal.

Declan Rice has been a revelation at Arsenal since his arrival in the recent summer transfer window. 

The midfielder has rapidly established himself as a key figure and fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium. Supporters are already convinced that Rice is living up to his club-record £105 million price tag. 

Mikel Arteta has also been hugely impressed by the impact that the 25-year-old has had in north London, on and off the pitch. The Spanish coach has even tipped Rice to be a future Arsenal captain. 

Rice has also previously revealed that Arteta has encouraged him to develop the attacking side of his game. The 48-cap England international has certainly been able to make an impact in the final third this season, as he has chipped in with vital goals against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Luton Town.

Arsenal will need the former West Ham United man to be at his best again this afternoon, when Liverpool are welcomed to the Emirates Stadium for a huge fixture which could have a major impact on the Premier League title race. Rice has spoken out about how he prepares for such important games.

He has also discussed his role under Arteta. Amid talk of him becoming a more potent attacking threat, and having been used in the more advanced left-eight midfield role at times this season, Rice has now revealed where his main focus is.

Declan Rice explains his Arsenal priority

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said, “I’m trying to nail down being an out and out six and I think the manager sees that as well but he knows that I’m adaptable. I even played centre-back in a Champions League game. I’m happy to play anywhere if it helps the team out but I’ve just been trying to learn and get myself better at playing in the six.”

“That will be me for the rest of my career until late 30s probably. I might drop back to centre-back then!”

As a six, at the base of the Gunners’ midfield trio, Rice’s primary function is to break up opposition counter-attacks and protect the back four. On the ball, he can also drag his team up the pitch with one of his trademark surging runs.

Rice is able to shine in this role thanks to his athleticism and ability to read the game ahead of him. He has the pace and running power to patrol vast swathes of the pitch, and the awareness to track opposition runners and make crucial interceptions.

If he is at his best this afternoon, he will make breaking through the Arsenal lines a tough task for Liverpool. Of course, the Reds will also be wary of the threat that he can pose to their own defence.