Mikel Arteta has now changed his mind about one player, Arsenal fans should be really excited

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has been surprised many times as Arsenal’s manager over the years.

The Gunners beginning to challenge for the Premier League title in 2022/23 was earlier than anticipated, while the way they competed against the biggest sides in Europe early on was also fairly unexpected.

Many players have surprised Arteta too. Declan Rice seems to be one of them.

Mikel Arteta has changed his mind about Declan Rice at Arsenal

Arsenal smashed their transfer record to sign Rice in 2023.

Mikel Arteta initially viewed the England international as a number six, but he was later moved to a more advanced role. That has proved to be a masterstroke.

Rice is now playing the best football of his career. The Arsenal manager expected him to reach this level, but there is something that has surprised him.

In his press conference ahead of the game against Chelsea, Arteta was asked if this is Rice’s ‘final form’ as a player.

The Spaniard claimed that he thought this would be his ultimate level two years ago, but after working with him daily, he has changed his mind. Arteta now feels there’s more to come from Rice.

He said, as per ESPN: “Probably a year or two ago, yes [I thought this would be his final form], but now being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him in the way I have done, we are going to get more.

“Because he wants more, the team knows him better, his role is growing around the team. The impact he has on the team, it’s huge.

“I knew him for a long time [before signing], and I knew how he could evolve and change the team. He has certainly done it and probably improved on those expectations.”

Mikel Arteta’s comments about Declan Rice should excite Arsenal fans

Everybody knew that Rice was an elite footballer when he joined Arsenal, but few would’ve imagined that he would be this good in a box-to-box role.

The fact that even Arteta seems to be surprised by the midfielder shows just how incredible he has been, and the Arsenal manager’s comments should really excite the fans.

Rice is already one of the best midfielders in the world, but Arteta saying that he has another level to reach bodes really well for Arsenal.

When the former West Ham man does reach his ‘final form’, he could make Arsenal unstoppable, which is really exciting.