Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has now opened up about the impact Declan Rice has had since his arrival at the club.
Arsenal paid a club-record £105 million fee to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window. The 24-year-old had an instant impact on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, rapidly settling into the side and establishing himself as a fan favourite.
Rice is an imposing presence a the base of the midfield trio. He has the power and athleticism to patrol wide swathes of the pitch, protecting the back four and snuffing out opposition attacks. On the ball, he is able to drag the team forward with driving runs up the field.
After his arrival at Arsenal, Rice was challenged by Mikel Arteta to develop the attacking side of his game and become a more regular threat in the final third. There have certainly been signs that the player has taken this point on board, and he has already chipped in with three vital goals for the north London club.
Rice opened his account for the Gunners with a last gasp winner against Manchester United. Since then, he has contributed a goal that inspired a comeback against Chelsea, and snatched another later winner against Luton Town.
Emile Smith Rowe discusses what Declan Rice has brought to Arsenal
It would seem that Rice has also made a sizeable impression off the pitch. Arteta has already touted the 48-cap England star as a potential future club captain. Of course, Rice wore the armband for West Ham last season.
Hale End academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe has now provided a further insight into how impressive Rice has been on the training pitch. As quoted by the club’s official website, Smith Rowe said, “it’s great to see Declan here. I knew him a bit from playing with England before, and he’s a great guy. “
“Obviously everyone can see what he’s doing on the pitch – he’s been amazing for us. But off the pitch too, and around the training ground, he’s added more leadership. The way he demands the best from himself and his team-mates is really good. He’s one of the big leaders here already.”
Whilst Martin Odegaard is the current club captain, every successful squad needs multiple leaders. Jorginho has been hailed for his leadership skills, and Rice can now also be added to that list.
As for Smith Rowe, he will be aiming to get his career back on track in the second half of the campaign, as he has been very much on the fringes of the squad this season. He is now fully fit once again, though, and has sent a clear message to Arteta indicating that he is eager to kick on.
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