Declan Rice has hit the ground running since his club-record transfer to Arsenal this summer, and seems to have settled instantly.
Rice was the hero last week as he scored late on to help Arsenal seal victory over Manchester United, and has quickly become a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium.
Moving from fellow London side West Ham United meant that he was always likely to settle quickly, but he has now claimed that it has not all been plain sailing since his arrival.
Speaking on the Tubes and Ange Golf Life YouTube channel, Rice revealed that Mikel Arteta’s techniques to help him adapt to the club on his first day were rather unconventional.
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“I was a bit nervous – the first day, I was down there on the Sunday, the lads weren’t in but I come out of the physio room and Arteta, just like little things he does, he put like a sticker on my chest saying, ‘Hello, I’m the new person’,” Rice stated.
“He walked in and just put it on my chest! All the under-18s & under-21s are in the canteen & I’m walking through trying to hide my chest.”
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Rice’s fast adaptation
Arteta’s brutal adaptation techniques clearly worked on Rice, as he has already become one of the most vocal players in the team, as well as one of the top performers.
Rice was named the player of the match in both victories away at Crystal Palace and at home against Man United, and his performances in the middle of the park have been sensational.
Playing as a deep midfielder, one of the most difficult and important roles in the side under Arteta, his adaptation has been seamless, as he has distributed the ball well whilst also adding physicality and immense technique to the midfield.
Rice was surprisingly criticised for a lack of goals, but his winner against Man United should now silence any doubts, and so far, it seems to be money well spent from Arsenal.