PL coach now admits he would include one ‘frightening’ Arsenal star in world XI

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Former West Ham United coach Mark Warburton has now given his verdict on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

Arsenal paid a club-record fee of £105 million to prise Declan Rice away from West Ham United in the recent summer transfer window. The 24-year-old has been a revelation at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival. 

The midfielder has impressed with his athleticism and technical ability, proving himself capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Of course, Mikel Arteta will have expected the player to make an impact, given how much he paid to secure his services. That price tag might have proved to be something of a millstone around the England man’s neck though, if he didn’t have the strength of character to cope with it. 

Rice has recently spoken out publicly about the pressure that his price tag brought with it. This burden has not held him back on the pitch, and he has rapidly established himself as a key figure and fan favourite at Arsenal.

Mark Warburton is not surprised that Rice has made such a positive start to life at the north London club. The coach, who also left West Ham in the summer, worked closely with Rice in their shared time with the Hammers.

Declan Rice central to Arsenal ambitions

Speaking to The Athletic, Warburton made it plain how highly he rates the 48-cap England international. When asked if he would include Rice, and former West Ham teammate Lucas Paqueta, in a World XI team, he said, “Yeah, I would.”

He also made it clear that he believes there is more to come from the Arsenal star. He claimed, “people talk about Dec as if he is what he is always going to be, but I think there is another 20 per cent to come, which is frightening in terms of what he can achieve.”

Arteta would likely agree that Rice has room to grow. He certainly seems to feel that the player can pose a real attacking threat to opponents. He has regularly played in a more advanced midfield role for Arsenal than he ever did for West Ham.

Rice also has plenty to offer off the pitch, as a leader in the dressing room. Arteta has even tipped him to become Arsenal captain at some point.

Warburton, too, recognises these properties. He insisted, “the Arsenal players will always hear his voice. He’s a dominant personality but there’s not a bone of arrogance in him. He has a swagger on the pitch that he knows he’s a good player.”

It is vital now that Rice is able to remain fit and in good form for the rest of the current season. He is crucial to the Gunners’ prospects of success. If Arsenal do go on to mount a successful Premier League title push this season, Rice will certainly play an integral part in that triumph.