How one key thing Declan Rice does impacts ‘everyone’ at Arsenal as verdict emerges

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Declan Rice has now been hailed for the impact he has had at Arsenal.

Declan Rice produced another dominant and assured performance in the middle of the park as Arsenal battled to a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window.

Rice had to pass a late fitness test before being ruled able to start at the City Ground. He certainly didn’t look to be at all hampered by any kind of injury as he helped the Gunners monopolise territory and possession throughout the vast majority of the match.

The 48-cap England international does so much to help Mikel Arteta’s side control matches. Whenever Arsenal lose possession, Rice is often there in an instant, harrying and pressing, to help his side win the ball back quickly. He has the athleticism required to cover a huge amount of ground, as he is trusted to patrol a vast swathe of the pitch himself and protect the back four.

When on the ball, Rice is also able to drag Arsenal up the pitch with surging forward runs. His passing is reliable, and he has proven that he can offer a goal threat this season, as he has chipped in with three vital strikes already. Arteta has challenged Rice to become a more potent force in the final third this season, and the player has responded.

Declan Rice lauded for impact at Arsenal

What Rice brings off the pitch, too, in terms of leadership, attitude, and professionalism also counts for so much. He wore the armband for West Ham, and Arteta has tipped Rice as a future Arsenal captain too.

The Gunners have title-winning ambitions this season. If they are to succeed in that aim, they will need Rice to remain fit and firing on all cylinders for the rest of the campaign.

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has now heaped praise on the player for the impact he has had in north London. Speaking on the ESPN FC podcast, the 52-year-old said, “I just look at this Arsenal side and I don’t see the panic in them. I think with the Declan Rice signing, I think he assures everyone, he calms everyone down.”

That composure will be vital heading into the heat of the title race. If Arsenal are to be crowned champions at the end of this season, Rice will have played a huge role in that success, and will have justified every penny of the club-record £105 million fee that the Gunners shelled out to secure his services.