Mikel Arteta is playing a risky game with 24-year-old Arsenal player, but it could prove a masterstroke

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta certainly isn’t afraid of bucking the trend, and that can now be with his use of Declan Rice at the club.

Despite being a world renowned defensive midfielder, Rice has often been deployed as a number eight for Arsenal this season.

Jorginho was once again in the pivot against Burnley, and Rice was free to explore a creative role.

Whether this is something Arteta intended before the season started, only he knows.

But Rice is now developing his skill-set as a player, even if he eventually returns to the pivot in the future.

Although the benefits are clear, it’s certainly a huge risk for Arteta.

Signing a player for £105m is one thing, and deliberately playing them out of position is another.

Should the move not work out, Arteta would be questioned no end, and doubts even exist whilst it’s working right now.

Arsenal have long been plagued by the absences of Thomas Partey through injury, and it was a big relief when Rice signed for Arsenal fans.

However, with Partey injured once again, Rice is still playing on the edge of the box.

Mikel Arteta is taking a risk with Declan Rice’s positioning at Arsenal

Arteta is clearly well prepared to stick by his guns at Arsenal, just look at his backing of Kai Havertz.

Criticised by many and clearly lacking confidence, the Spaniard refuses to drop Havertz for an extended period.

Arteta is firm in his opinions, and he clearly thinks that Arsenal will benefit from Rice playing in a number eight in the long-term.

Although they now look more robust, Arteta’s side have lacked creativity in some of their recent losses.

And whilst there are so many factors to that, a defensive midfielder playing as a eight has to be considered.

It’s fascinating to watch Arsenal make this progression under Arteta, and he clearly is still figuring out his ideas as the season progresses.

And perhaps the manager is now putting plans in place for further recruitment in the January and in the summer.

Arsenal are often still linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, and Rice’s move up field could be paving the way.

Of course, Arteta may simply just believe that Rice has the attributes to repeat the success that Granit Xhaka had in the role.

Perhaps, the Arsenal boss does believe that Rice will soon start regularly delivering decisive attacking moments.

Mikel Arteta is clearly taking a calculated risk with Rice’s position, but it could end up being masterstroke.