Declan Rice reveals what Nicolas Jover told him just before he started taking set-pieces for Arsenal

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Declan Rice has become a real set-piece specialist for Arsenal over the past year, and the midfielder has been speaking about how Nicolas Jover has helped him.

Last season, Rice produced two sensational free-kick goals against Real Madrid, setting the North Londoners on their way to eliminating the 15-time European champions.

The 26-year-old now takes most free-kicks and corners for Arsenal, which has helped Mikel Arteta’s team to become one of the most threatening sides from these situations.

The England international has now explained how the Gunners’ set-piece coach had noticed during training and matches that he could become the main man for Arsenal.

Declan Rice on Nicolas Jover’s help at Arsenal

Declan Rice has hailed Nicolas Jover’s advice on set-pieces and the confidence it has given him to become such a threat for Arsenal.

The Spanish coach noticed that Rice was showing great technique, power and variation when standing over dead-ball situations.

Now, having worked with Arsenal’s coaching staff, the former West Ham United star is one of the best set-piece takers in Europe.

Speaking about these situations, Rice told The Dispatch: “Since January 2024, Nico had the conversation with me, and he said, ‘I’ve been watching, I think you have the ability to do it, you have the technique, the power, different types of delivery.’

“As time has gone on, it’s gone global, the delivery has become really good, I’ve always had that ability from the dead-ball situations, it’s just believing in it and putting it into practice. As soon as I spoke to Nico about it, I was all-in.”

Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury is such a blow for Declan Rice

Rice will be gutted that Gabriel Magalhaes will miss Tottenham, as the pair have become a real menace from set-pieces.

The England international, combined with Gabriel’s aerial presence, has made Arsenal one of the most feared teams from corners on the continent.

Therefore, losing Gabriel to a groin injury is such a big loss for Arsenal, and Jover will need to find a solution while the Brazilian is sidelined.

Speaking about what makes him such a threat from corners, Gabriel told the Premier League: “I predict where the ball is going to arrive.

“We know where we are going to put the ball, so I try to attack the space. Of course, to get the advantage, to jump and head the ball.”