Former England boss names one ‘star’ problem holding Arsenal back in title race

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Former England manager Fabio Capello has given his verdict on Arsenal.

It seems that Fabio Capello, who left his post as England boss in 2012, is still keeping a keen eye on football in England. He has now given his thoughts on the recent progress Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the iconic coach said, “I must say that the purchase of Rice was fundamental. They undoubtedly paid a lot, but he gave the balance that Arteta needed. Arenal play together, there is no soloist: in the middle of the pitch the difference is made by the group, never knowing how to move together with and without the ball. They play nice football, fast and at a high pace but that ‘star’ that can change history is missing.”

Arsenal paid a club-record £105 million fee to sign Declan Rice in the recent summer transfer window. It is fair to say that the 24-year-old has been a revelation at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival.

Rice has energised the Gunners in the middle of the park, with his drive, physicality, and ability to break up opposition attacks. He is also a natural leader, with Arteta already having tipped him to be a captain of the north London club in future. Arsenal fans have certainly taken the former West Ham United man to their hearts quickly and believe that he is already living up to his hefty price tag.

Is Fabio Capello right about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal?

As Capello says, Arsenal do look like a more balanced side with Rice in the team. The England man offers a secure layer of protection for the rearguard, when the players ahead of him push forward in numbers. Equally, he is capable of making an impact in the final third himself, as he has already shown with vital goals against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Luton Town so far this season.

As to whether Arsenal are missing a stand-out star, the absence of which could hold them back in the Premier League title race this season, remains to be seen. Capello clearly believes that this is an issue facing Arteta. However, the Arsenal boss has not always worked well with some of the biggest, and most renowned names, at the club. His public spats with Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whilst they were on the books at Arsenal, demonstrates this.

Arteta values the collective above the individual. His persistent talk of the importance of “unity” within a squad reflects this attitude. He will believe that the Gunners’ strength comes from their cohesion as a group, and that that will be enough to take them to the title.