Mikel Arteta must learn one key lesson about Declan Rice from Chelsea v Arsenal clash

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Declan Rice was once again Arsenal’s stand out player as the Gunners battled to a draw against Chelsea.

Arsenal were not at their best at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, Declan Rice was the pick of the bunch when it came to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

That being said, the 24-year-old was quiet in the first half. Playing a more advanced role than usual, with Martin Odegaard alongside him, and Jorginho sitting at the base of the midfield, Rice struggled to get on the ball.

In the second half, as Arteta threw on more attacking players in search of a route back into the game, Rice dropped deeper to protect the back four. This is where the 46-cap England international is undoubtedly at his best.

With the likes of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira, and Emile Smith Rowe all viable options to play further forward in midfield beside Odegaard, there is no reason that Rice had to feature in that position.

Why Mikel Arteta must tailor tactics to suit Declan Rice

Against certain opponents, playing Rice and Jorginho together can give the Gunners the additional security they require, as was the case against Manchester City. In general, though, a player of Rice’s quality should be deployed in his best role, and that is as the deepest-lying player of the midfield three.

In games where Arteta wants his side to progress the ball forwards quickly, and get on the front with the security of knowing that they are being protected against counter attacks, Rice is the perfect option to play in this ‘number six’ role.

The £105 million club-record signing can drive forward with the ball, pick a pass, but also has the defensive nous and athleticism to snuff out counter attacks.

The game against Chelsea was an example of why Rice should be used in his best position in 99% of cases. Arsenal were transformed when he took up a deeper position, and he still managed contribute to the attack, as he scored the goal that got the Gunners back into the game.