Mikel Arteta’s squad is finally beginning to show its full potential, and Declan Rice is one of the players who has taken his game to the next level.
Ahead of last week’s Champions League clash between Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Harry Kane warned his teammates about Rice, but the German champions were unable to contain him.
At the Emirates Stadium, Rice ran the show against Bayern, demonstrating why he is one of the most complete players in world football.
But it’s not just his quality which is proving key for Arsenal, but also the leadership he is showing behind the scenes and on the pitch.
Declan Rice is becoming a Patrick Vieira-like leader at Arsenal
Arsenal have not had a leader in their midfield like Declan Rice since the legendary Patrick Vieira was playing for them.
The Frenchman was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, but it was also his leadership as the Gunners’ captain which made him so crucial.
Since the Invincibles, Arsenal haven’t had anyone come close to Vieira in terms of leadership or as a player, but Rice is getting there.
Away at Chelsea, in such a high-pressure game, with key players missing, Rice was spotted leading the team, with footage showing him dishing out instructions.
Is Declan Rice Arsenal’s best midfield player since Patrick Vieira?
The 26-year-old could be seen helping both Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, who were starting a Premier League game together for the first time.
Following an injury to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes also being sidelined, Mosquera was forced to come into the team in such a high-pressure situation.
The two young central defenders were assisted through the game by Rice, who was often spotted dropping in between the pair and issuing advice.
There’s still a way to go before he can really be compared to Vieira; however, if Arsenal do go on to win the Premier League, he will be at the heart of their success.
Declan Rice beats Moises Caicedo to award
In the build-up to the clash at Stamford Bridge, there was a fair amount of talk about the better player between Rice and Moises Caicedo.
Is Declan Rice better than Moises Caicedo?
Ultimately, the Arsenal man won the battle on the day, as Caicedo was shown a red card during the 1-1 draw in SW6.
Rice has now got the better of the Chelsea man again after winning the FSA Men’s Player of the Year, also beating Erling Haaland, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ryan Gravenberch and Antoine Semenyo to the award.
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