Mikel Arteta suggests there’s one thing he’ll never do with Declan Rice at Arsenal – it ‘doesn’t work’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not feeling the Christmas cheer as the Gunners’ injury list continues to extend.

Despite experiencing a five-star performance against Crystal Palace, Arsenal fans left Selhurst Park with great concern. 

After Bukayo Saka was spotted on crutches following the victory, it was confirmed that the Gunners’ greatest fears had come true.

Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ with a hamstring injury, with there now a clear demand for other members of the Arsenal squad to step up.

• READ MORE: How long Bukayo Saka will be out for as torn hamstring injury details explained in Arsenal nightmare

Mikel Arteta stands firm on Declan Rice opinion

While Arsenal’s attackers will need to cover for Saka whilst the winger gets back to full fitness, Arteta had a clear demand for another player in the squad.

During his pre-Ipswich Town press conference, the Arsenal manager spoke in depth about Declan Rice, when quizzed on the 25-year-old’s best position.

Rice came off the bench against Palace to match an Arsenal record, becoming the first player to score and assist as a substitute away from home.

As the midfielder’s attacking strengths have become more and more evident under Arteta, the coach was asked what he believes Rice’s best role is.

“With the squad that we have, he needs to be versatile,” Arteta explained.

“With the qualities that he has, he needs to be versatile. With the brain that he has, versatile. With the age that he has, versatile because he can offer so much to the opponent in relation to the needs in the squad.”

Arteta honed in on the importance of Rice being versatile to play what best suits Arsenal at any given time however, the boss also made it clear what he’d never do with the £105m signing.

“Putting Declan just in a box in my opinion doesn’t work,” he said, refusing to tie the England international down to one position.

Impossible to tie Rice down to one role 

The topic of the Englishman’s best position has been ongoing since he stepped foot through the doors at Colney in 2023.

Pundits have debated Rice’s best role at Arsenal, as the midfielder continues to prove doubters wrong regarding his strengths. 

Roy Keane once demanded more from Rice going forward, which the Arsenal star has responded to perfectly, contributing to goals frequently in Arteta’s squad.

While the manager himself doesn’t want to tie the player down to a specific role, Rice’s teammate Jorginho believes he’s best as a number eight.

The former West Ham captain’s versatility and efficiency in midfield will always have people talking, with Arteta the latest to comment on Rice.