Declan Rice has been shining on the international stage yet again.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice got on the scoresheet for England against Finland recently.
The 25-year-old has now netted five times for his country. Arsenal fans noted Rice has outscored Phil Foden at international level now, with the Manchester City star only having struck four times for the Three Lions.
The fact that Rice can make an impact in the final third will come as no surprise to Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss has encouraged Rice to take up more advanced positions since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Sam Allardyce defence of Declan Rice justified
Back in June, after former Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean claimed that Rice is “overrated,” Sam Allardyce hit back in defence of the Arsenal man.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the ex-Bolton Wanderers boss said: “Ask Mikel Arteta, what he’s done for Arsenal last year.”
Rice was indeed sensational for the Gunners last season, both when it came to protecting the back four, showing steel in the middle of the park, and providing end product at the top end of the pitch.
He ended his first season in North London with 7 goals and 10 assists to his name from 51 appearances across all competitions, and he will be expected to make a similar contribution this time around.
Arsenal fans certainly wouldn’t agree that Rice is overrated, and clearly neither would Allardyce. The former West Ham United man’s record in an England shirt is testament to the fact that he belongs amongst the very best.
What Arsenal need from Rice this season
Rice will be central to Arteta’s plans for this season, and if the Gunners are to usurp Manchester City and claim the Premier League crown this time around then it is vital that the midfielder remains fit and firing on all cylinders.
The best way that Rice can finally silence those few critics he still has is by being the heartbeat of an Arsenal team that becomes champions.
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