‘It wouldn’t surprise me..’: Journalist wants to see one star in the Bellingham role at Arsenal

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England are currently blessed in midfield positions, with two summer signings excelling at their new clubs in Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Rice’s record move to Arsenal has been a resounding success, with the midfielder performing superbly since his arrival from West Ham, whilst Bellingham settled instantly at Real Madrid.

Bellingham has found himself playing in a more advanced midfield role at Real Madrid, and this has seen him ramp up his goals tally in style, with 10 goals in 10 games.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now claimed that pushing Rice further forward could see him have a similar impact to his England teammate.

Could Rice play in the Bellingham role?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs hinted that Arsenal may see potential for Rice to play further forward than his current role as a defensive midfielder.

“I would be reticent to compare Rice and Bellingham directly. But the point of saying this is that if you look at Bellingham at Dortmund, he scored eight league goals over the course of 31 games in his final season. At Real Madrid, he has been given more license to push forwards and be more explosive. He sees more of the ball and has others working on the ball for him, which allows him to create more space than at Dortmund,” Jacobs claimed.

“I think Arsenal feel like, to some extent, Rice has that potential to suddenly explode in an attacking sense if he is given that freedom.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he is given a bit more freedom and trialled in a more advanced position, especially because others in that central attacking midfield role – when utilised – haven’t always excelled.”

Should Rice push further forward?

The Englishman has played at the base of midfield for most of the season, but last week’s victory over Manchester City saw him push up next to Martin Odegaard, with Jorginho sitting deep behind him.

Thomas Partey also returned from injury in the second half, and replaced Jorginho as the defensive midfielder.

Kai Havertz has struggled when playing in midfield since his arrival this summer, and Rice may be the solution for Mikel Arteta. Now Partey is back, the Ghanian could start as the defensive midfielder, with Rice as a ‘number eight’ and given more licence to attack.

Whilst it is unlikely that he will become a true goalscorer like Bellingham, he could still increase his own output, whilst helping Arsenal find balance by utilising his physical qualities further up the pitch.