Jermain Defoe believes that Declan Rice has become Arsenal’s very own Yaya Toure following his brace against AFC Bournemouth.
For the first time in the Premier League, Rice scored twice to fire the Gunners to a massive three points away on the South Coast.
Finish the sentance: Declan Rice most reminds me of _____________________
Do you agree with Yaya Toure or is there another legendary midfielder instead?
The win means that Mikel Arteta’s team are now six points clear of Aston Villa at the top of the Premier League, with Manchester City set to play Chelsea on Sunday.
Defoe now believes that Rice has transformed into one of the Premier League’s greats after being so impressed by his display at Bournemouth.
Jermain Defoe compares Declan Rice to Yaya Toure
Jermain Defoe has compared Declan Rice to Yaya Toure because of the way he can drive through the midfield with the ball.
Toure was one of the toughest midfielders to dispossess, and now Rice is showing similar traits to the legendary Ivorian international.
Commenting on Rice’s display, Defoe told BBC Match of the Day: “Unbelievable! 296 Premier League games and it’s the first time he’s scored two in a Premier League game… What a performance!
“I think when you look at the modern-day midfielder, he does everything, his energy levels to just get up the pitch.
Name your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Bournemouth but you can’t pick Declan Rice!
“I remember Declan speaking a few years ago, and he modelled his game on Yaya Toure, and it was like Yaya Toure lite to get up the pitch.”
Rice, who missed Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa, spoke about wanting to emulate Toure back in 2022, and Defoe believes he’s now there.
“I remember watching him actually say that, he watched Yaya Toure’s game, the way he got teams up the pitch and drove through the midfield. He now has that,” added the former Premier League striker.
“The only thing he needs now is adding a little bit more goals to the game, but when he arrives on the edge of the box, he’s a good finisher.”
Alan Shearer calls Declan Rice a ‘manager’s dream’
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer called Rice a ‘manager’s dream’ and thinks the midfielder more often than not produces at least an eight out of ten display.
Shearer added: “He’s a manager’s dream, his attitude is amazing, he very rarely misses games, and when he’s out there, he’s an eight out of ten.”
Arsenal fans were loving Rice against Bournemouth and even came to the Vitality Stadium with a new, improved chant.
Despite his Man of the Match display, Arteta thinks Rice can still improve, and he is pushing him to become even more complete.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
