Gilberto Silva says Arsenal ‘monster’ needs to do one ‘really important’ thing to shine

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Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has now heaped praise on one player who he feels is vital to the Gunners. 

Gilberto Silva has now shared his verdict on Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Rice has been sensational for Arsenal this season. Whether it be in the No. 6 role, protecting the back four, or in a mode advanced midfield position, the 25-year-old has shown that he has plenty to contribute all over the pitch.

There was plenty of pressure on Rice to impress at the Emirates stadium this season, after the Gunners shelled out a club-record £105 million transfer fee to prise him away from West Ham United in the most recent summer transfer window.

Plenty of players would have struggled to cope with the scrutiny and expectation that comes with such a price tag, but Rice has looked supremely comfortable ever since his arrival in north London. He belongs at the very highest level of the game.

He might not have come cheaply, but the England star will be worth every penny to Mikel Arteta. Rice has even been dubbed the best Arsenal signing since Dennis Bergkamp.

Gilberto knows all about what it takes to stand out in the middle of the park for Arsenal. The Brazilian was a vital presence in that part of the pitch for the Gunners between 2002 and 2008. He was a key figure in the iconic Invincibles side that claimed a Premier League title after an unbeaten campaign in 2004. In total, he made 244 appearances for Arsenal and remains a club icon.

Gilberto Silva shares view on Declan Rice at Arsenal

In an interview with Caught Offside, Gilberto has now revealed his thoughts on Rice’s performances this season, and the nature of his role in the team. He said, “I still view Declan as a holding midfielder who protects the back four and gives support to the guys up front. It’s the same job I was asked to do.”

“What is really important in the position is the passing. It doesn’t matter how many balls you win back if you then just lose possession. So you need a vision: to know how you’re going to win the ball then what you are going to do with it.”

“Declan does this really well. He never runs back or forward without a plan. And physically he’s a monster, and the scary part is he’s still raising his level. I think he’s been amazing for Arsenal.”

Arteta has encouraged Rice to develop the more attacking side of his game this season, which the player has certainly responded too. He has netted six times for the Gunners this season, and has provided seven assists, across all competitions. However, his exploits in the final third have not distracted Rice from his primary function in the side, which is to regain possession of the ball and then progress it up the pitch.