Patrick Vieira breaks silence on Declan Rice comparisons after Arsenal star’s position change, ‘I don’t like to…’

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Declan Rice is enjoying an excellent season at Arsenal.

Alongside his relentless defensive work and ability to progress the ball, the Englishman has netted eight goals and provided ten assists in all competitions.

Producing impressive numbers in the final third, Rice is enjoying the more advanced role which Mikel Arteta has given him this campaign.

His two outstanding free-kicks against Real Madrid are his standout moments from the season thus far, and he’ll surely be in the conversation for Arsenal’s player of the year award.

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Patrick Vieira has his say on Declan Rice comparisons

A tall, rangy midfielder who is excellent going both ways, Rice has inevitably drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira recently.

Vieira boasted similar freakish athleticism, whilst being excellent in almost every aspect of the game, like Rice.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Vieira was asked about the similarities between himself and the former West Ham captain.

“I don’t like to make comparisons, because I think we are all different with our strengths and weaknesses,” Vieira said.

“But I think first is all the credit with the manager, with Mikel [Arteta], because I think from Declan being a holding midfielder, he went a little bit more as the eight. I think he saw the physical side of him doing the box-to-box and to be the player who can get to the box, in with the second line, and then can score goals.

“I think the change of position is quite important, so credit to Mikel for that. And then, of course, he is the player that I love watching. I love his spirit. I love his competitiveness. I like the fact that he’s always going forward, and he is a winner.

“I think this position, No 8, suits him much better, because previously you can say ‘OK, he may play with the handbrake’. But playing as a No 8 and having this will to go to the box and score goals. I think this is something that suits his style of play.”

While there are subtle differences between the two players, Rice is undoubtedly the closest thing Arsenal have had to Vieira since the Frenchman plied his trade at Highbury.

David Raya recently claimed Rice is a top-three midfielder in world football, and with comparisons to Vieira now becoming more prominent, it appears the mainstream perception of him is beginning to catch on to his ability.

Declan Rice’s statistics 2024/25

Martin Keown believes Arsenal got Rice for ‘cheap’, despite paying £100 million for the 26-year-old, with this glowing comment another example of the player receiving his flowers.

Developing his ability to time his runs into the box more effectively this season, the England international has added yet another string to his bow.

Now boasting a repertoire that resembles a complete midfielder, this is reflected in the data.

Putting up impressive creative and defensive numbers, he’s also getting high quality shots off now, whilst progressing the ball through passing and carrying at a high rate.

A true unicorn profile, the midfielder can excel in any role given to him.