Former Liverpool man left ‘surprised’ by Arsenal star who’s been their ‘best player’

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has now hailed the impact that Declan Rice has had at Arsenal.

Declan Rice has been a revelation for Arsenal since his arrival from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window. 

The 25-year-old will now be determined to get one over on his former club when the Gunners travel to the London Stadium this afternoon. It is vital that Mikel Arteta’s side take all three points from this capital city derby clash in order for them to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

If Arsenal are to be crowned champions at the end of this season, then Rice will certainly have played a huge role in that success. The 25-year-old has been a near ever-present for the north London club in the middle of the park this season, and has made the team far more dominant, on a consistent basis, in that park of the pitch. 

He has also made his presence felt off the pitch and in the dressing room too, with Arteta already having tipped Rice as a potential future Arsenal captain. Of course, he previously wore the armband with great distinction for West Ham.

Danny Murphy makes Declan Rice claim

Now, Danny Murphy has given his verdict on what Rice has brought to the Emirates Stadium this season. Writing in the Daily Mail, he said, “Declan Rice has made Arsenal even better, which is why he has been my signing of the season…Rice has been fearless in coping both with the added scrutiny and a £100million price tag.”

“He has adapted his game. He was able to focus on his defensive work at West Ham whereas Arsenal dominate possession so he needs to show ability on the ball and make productive passes. He has done all of that and popped up with the occasional important goal, too. The ease with which he has made the transition has surprised even me, despite having no doubts about his mentality.”

“Rice has been Arsenal’s best player, which is hugely impressive given the quality that Mikel Arteta already possessed in the Gunners dressing room.”

Arsenal shelled out a club-record £105 million fee to prise Rice away from West Ham in the summer. Plenty of the north London club’s supporters are already convinced that Rice is living up to that huge price tag.

It is vital, especially to the club’s title aspirations, that the 48-cap England international is able to remain fit and firing on all cylinders for the remainder of the campaign. Particularly given Thomas Partey’s long-term and recurrent injury issues, the Gunners simply cannot afford to be without Rice for any significant period.

Arsenal have not had a good time against West Ham so far this season. The Hammers knocked the Gunners out of the EFL Cup, and also triumphed in the two sides’ first Premier League encounter earlier this season. Along with his Arsenal teammates, Rice will be eager to set the record straight this afternoon.