Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva was the defensive midfielder for the Invincibles side which won the title in 2004, and with the Gunners challenging again, there’s a new star in North London.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in sensational form as they aim to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool for a first title since Gilberto last lifted it, and summer signing Declan Rice has been a crucial cog in the team.
The record signing from West Ham settled instantly, and has helped Arsenal form the best defence in the Premier League, whilst also chipping in with a career-best goal and assist total of 10 across all competitions.
Gilberto has now praised Rice, who is perhaps the closest Arsenal have come to replacing the Brazilian in the last 20 years.
Gilberto Silva praises Declan Rice’s adaptation at Arsenal
Speaking to The Athletic, the World Cup winner praised Rice’s character and how he has settled in at Arsenal.
“His arrival was so important for the stability of the team,” Gilberto stated.
“He is very strong to stand in the position in front of the defence and support the guys up front and he’s adapted very well.
“It seemed like he knew everybody before he arrived. Sometimes when you sign a good player for big money, they can be frightened, but he looks like he knows Arsenal.”
Declan Rice can have Gilberto-like presence in Arsenal midfield
Gilberto formed a rock-solid midfield pairing alongside Patrick Vieira for the Invincibles side, and provided steel and intelligence in the middle of the park.
Arsenal teams since the last title were often accused of lacking the same kind of presence brought by both players, and Gilberto is arguably the most underrated Invincible for his impact on the team.
Rice can have a similar role with his physicality at the base of midfield, helping shield the back four, but he is also finding success pushing forward in a similar way to Vieira.
If Thomas Partey is able to return to full fitness, then the prospect of the Ghanaian and Rice in the same midfield would be an interesting one, as they both bring power in addition to their technical supremacy in a similar way to Gilberto and Vieira did 20 years ago.
Rice did not need long to adapt to Arteta’s system, and he is continually improving and developing into one of the best midfielders in the world.
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