Troy Deeney says football has ‘become too easy’ for ‘excellent’ Arsenal star

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Troy Deeney has called on one Arsenal star to produce more, despite Mikel Arteta’s team’s excellent recent form.

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table heading into the international break, a point above second-placed Liverpool.

Arteta’s side strolled to a 2-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday, keeping their seventh clean sheet in their tenth match across all competitions thus far this season.

Several players have impressed during the early part of this campaign, although Deeney believes one of the core members can still reach a higher level than he’s currently showing.

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Troy Deeney says Declan Rice has been ‘excellent’ but can still do more

Rice was outstanding against West Ham on Saturday.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring against his former club, expertly sweeping home after an Eberechi Eze shot rebounded into his path.

Establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in world football, Rice is an imperative cog in Arteta’s system, with his ability to cover ground integral to both the way the Gunners defend and attack.

However, writing for BBC Sport, former Watford striker Deeney claimed that football has ‘become too easy’ for the midfielder and that he still can do more.

“Great goal for Arsenal against his old club,” Deeney wrote.

“Gets his finish and drives the team forward, but I think – and this is a compliment – that he can do more. Strange to say for someone worth £100m, but it looks like football is starting to become too easy for him.

“Arsenal will need him not only in the Premier League but the Champions League as well. Excellent performance.”

What more can Declan Rice do for Arsenal?

When Rice arrived at Arsenal, he was an out-and-out number six.

His best attributes were his defensive work, his passing from deep and his carrying from deep. Now, he’s one of the most well-rounded midfielders in world football, capable of contributing in the final third with exquisite set-pieces and excellent late runs into the box.

However, there are still a few areas the £100 million man can improve in.

As shown by the data above, Rice could still get better in the final third. Most of his contribution to creating chances derives from his corner and free-kicks, and he rarely adds value from open play.

He is rarely seen threading a through ball into the path of a forward or providing intricate combination play in and around the box.

Meanwhile, in deeper areas, he could still get better at turning away from pressure and receiving the ball in a way that allows him to progress it up the pitch more quickly.

That said, this is somewhat nitpicking and is merely a suggestion as to how he goes from being one of the best midfielders in the world to the undisputed best.