What Declan Rice must now prove at Arsenal amid Mikel Merino return and Rodri injury blow

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There is pressure and expectation upon Declan Rice to deliver for Arsenal this season.

Declan Rice was able to make a magnificent start to his Arsenal career last season. 

Having arrived for a club-record fee from West Ham United, the midfielder was able to hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice now needs to build upon that first campaign. Mikel Arteta will be looking to the 25-year-old to provide steel and consistency in the middle of the park. If Arsenal are to achieve their dream of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title this season, then they will need Rice to remain fit and firing on all cylinders. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

Declan Rice has opportunity to make himself number one over Rodri

Manchester City were recently rocked by Rodri’s injury. The reigning Premier League champions will almost certainly be without the Spanish midfielder for the rest of the season. 

Whilst Pep Guardiola’s squad is full of talent, Rodri is undeniably a crucial player for the Cityzens, and arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League.

With Rodri now sidelined, though, Rice has an opportunity to establish himself as the best holding midfielder playing in the Premier League week in, week out this season.

Mikel Merino will give Rice platform to shine at Arsenal

Rice has not played as a No. 6 consistently in recent months. However, the integration of summer signing Mikel Merino into the side will free up the former West Ham man to take up a role at the base of the midfield. 

Merino is now back in training, having sustained an injury before having a chance to make his debut for the Gunners. His maiden appearance will not be far away now though.

Arsenal fans are excited about Merino and what he will bring to the side, and Rice ought to be excited too. Whilst he has excelled since being encouraged to take up a more advanced role by Arteta, he is still at his best when tasked with focusing on protecting the back four and breaking up opposition attacks. 

With Rice as the deepest-lying member of Arsenal’s midfield trio, rather than either Thomas Partey or Jorginho, who are both in the twilight years of their career, the Gunners will be even more solid.