Arsena lhave a number of top performers in the Premier League this season but Gary Lineker believes one man is standing above the rest right now.
The Gunners picked up another point at Brentford in what was a lacklustre attacking performance.
However, a number of players once again did their reputations no harm and among those was star midfielder, Declan Rice.
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Rice has been the epitome of consistency and class for Arsenal in the 2025/26 season.
And speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker shared just why Rice impresses him so much.
Gary Lineker says why he’s so impressed by Arsenal’s Declan Rice
Not one Arsenal fan would argue against Declan Rice being voted the player of the year, or at least being in the conversation.
Rice has taken his game to a new level since his £100m move to the club and this season he has added more goals and assists to his game as well.
However, according to Gary Lineker, it is Rice’s unbelievable energy that sets him apart.
“I’m not sure there were that many that were brilliant,” Lineker said of Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.
“I tell you something I noticed was a couple of things that – I mean we’ve talked about it many many times – Declan Rice, but boy does he cover some ground and then right at the end he gets the ball wins it and then he’s charging down and you just think crikey this fella could run a marathon.
“Favourite for footballer of the year at the moment I would say.”
Which other Arsenal player can challenge Declan Rice for Player of the Year?
The Gunners have had a superb season and if they win the league, they will end up with a number of names in the team of the year.
In terms of the footballer of the year as Lineker mentions here, Rice is in the picture.
However, so are a few other Arsenal stars.
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Gabriel Magalhaes has once again been a colossus at the back while his partner, William Saliba, has yet again shown how good he is.
Beyond that, it gets trickier but a few players, namely Jurrien Timber and at times – but not enough – Martin Zubimendi have had their moments.
Ultimately though, Rice is the man for Arsenal right now.
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