Mikel Arteta slammed as ‘Rolls-Royce’ Arsenal star has now become ‘awful waste’

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Presenter Richard Keys has now given his verdict on Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Arsenal paid a club-record £105 million fee to prise Declan Rice away from West Ham United.

The 24-year-old was a revelation upon his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, immediately making a huge impact in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta’s side.

With his power and athleticism, the England star is able to protect the back four, and drag the team up the pitch with driving runs when he has the ball at his feet. Rice has also developed a habit of popping up with vital goals. Against both Manchester United and Luton Town he was able to grab late winners. Against Chelsea he also produced the goal that sparked the Gunners’ comeback.

Of course, there were high expectations of Rice when he arrived at Arsenal. The pressure of his price tag could potentially have dragged him down, too. However, many Arsenal fans believe that he is already living up to his price tag.

However, Rice has not seemed his usual self in recent matches. He was below par against his former club West Ham United, and was poor once again against Fulham last time out.

Richard Keys blasts Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in Declan Rice rant

Richard Keys has now shared his insight into the causes behind Rice’s apparent loss of form. Writing on his own personal blog, Keys stated, “I’m a huge fan of Declan Rice. I think he’s a Rolls-Royce. I said when Arsenal signed him that he was the best piece of business any club had done in that window. He’s class. But he’s also wasted playing for Arsenal right now.”

“Rice didn’t do anything to hurt Fulham. Nothing. Not one raking pass. Not one crunching challenge. Not one shot at goal. Nothing. So what’s the point of him? He’s become Declan Nice.”

“It’s a travesty. I know why he does it – because he plays in a ‘nice’ team for a ‘nice’ manager, who played ‘nice’ football himself. And ‘nice’ can be very easy on the eye…it seems an awful waste of a top player.”

In truth, Rice was not alone in underperforming at Craven Cottage. Every Arsenal player was poor as Arteta’s side slumped to a 2-1 defeat against the west London club. The same could largely be said of the whole team against the Hammers, too. These two defeats, though, have certainly put a large dent in the north London club’s Premier League title ambitions, but it is too soon to worry about Rice having lost his edge.

Rice remains a top class midfielder who has the quality and strength of character to bounce back from these disappointing displays.

As for Arteta’s use of the player, it has worked well so far this season, up until the last week or so. Despite Keys’ concerns, Rice has shown plenty of bite and tenacity whilst wearing an Arsenal shirt.

Whilst worrying about Arsenal’s current form on the whole is perfectly understandable and valid, as an individual presence in the team, Rice still ought to be a cause for celebration and optimism.