Declan Rice is having a fine season at Arsenal in his new role.
The England international scored for the Gunners against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. It was a great goal, so much so that Rice even likened himself to a traditional number nine after his finish.
The Arsenal number 41 was the best player on the pitch and was deservedly given the Player of the Match award for his display.
Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce liked what he saw from Rice and highlighted the tactical change that helped him score.
Steve Bruce highlights Mikel Arteta’s tactical tweak for Declan Rice at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Declan Rice for a club record fee in the summer of 2023.
The 26-year-old was originally brought in to play as a number six, but he has been converted into a box-to-box midfielder over the last 18 months.
Rice revealed recently that Arteta has tweaked his role a bit this season, and that has taken his game to a whole new level.
Bruce, who used to be a manager, has explained that Martin Zubimendi is the reason behind Rice’s freedom.
Speaking about the Englishman’s goal against Burnley, the former manager said on BBC Sport’s radio commentary: “It all stemmed from a header from Saliba.
“He headed it 25 yards, then Gyokeres hits a wonderful cross-field pass into Trossard, huge quality from Trossard and Rice arrives in the box.
“A wonderful thing, great goal from Arsenal. This tactic with Declan Rice being able to get forward now with the addition of Zubimendi as the defensive midfield player is certainly paying off.”
Martin Zubimendi has helped improve Declan Rice
When there’s a change in midfield, it usually takes some time for the players to understand each other’s game and form a good partnership.
However, Rice and Zubimendi have been brilliant together from the start.
The two players know exactly who should go forward and who should stay back. They interchange their positions really well and are bringing the best out of each other.
Zubimendi’s ability to control the midfield all on his own allows Rice the freedom he needs to charge forward or drop deep.
That has made him a much better player, and we’re convinced he will reach another level at Arsenal in the coming months.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
