Jesus gives insight into how Declan Rice has settled in at Arsenal

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Gabriel Jesus has lauded the impact that Declan Rice has had at Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus has witnessed first hand how impressive Declan Rice has been for Arsenal since his club-record £105 million arrival in the recent summer transfer window.

Rice’s quality was well-known, as he was consistently brilliant across his seven seasons in the West Ham United first team. However, it is notable just how quickly he has settled into life at the Emirates Stadium and has adapted to the tactical demands of Mikel Arteta.

The 24-year-old was even named the official Arsenal player of the month in August. His most memorable moment as an Arsenal player so far came against Manchester United, when he scored his first goal for the Gunners, giving his side the lead late on. Jesus himself then added another goal to add gloss to the scoreline.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, the Brazilian striker gave an insight to Rice’s early days as an Arsenal player. As quoted by Metro, Jesus said, “he’s helped a lot. He’s a little bit different to Jorginho and Thomas Partey, all have their qualities and they can all play and help the team.”

“Dec between the three is the youngest but he comes to help and he’s doing an amazing job, he helps a lot on the pitch with and without the ball. I think it’s not easy when you first come here and you play straight away but he is doing very well and I am very happy with him.”

Rice already a star for Arsenal

Arteta has built a squad with plenty of competition for places and enviable strength in depth. This is no more true than for the defensive midfield position, where Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny will all tussle for game time over the course of the campaign.

Rice is certainly the stand out player in that group though, given his relative youth and incredible energy levels. He will be hoping to get the chance to strut his stuff on the biggest domestic stage by being named in the starting XI to take on PSV. This would mark Rice’s debut in Champions League football.

The £240,000-a-week midfielder joined Arsenal for the chance to compete for the biggest trophies and test himself in big games. With the north London derby coming hot on the heels of this PSV match, he will get his wish this week.