Declan Rice sends warning to Arsenal rivals and makes telling injury admission

22 August 2023 , 12:51

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Declan Rice insists there is much more to come from him in an Arsenal shirt.

‌And behind the scenes, Rice is still learning, still adapting and improving under Mikel Arteta. England midfielder Rice, Arsenal’s record £105million summer buy, has worked under experienced managers of the calibre of David Moyes and Gareth Southgate.

‌Rice, 24, has already proved himself to be a brilliant and versatile midfielder who can fill various roles and listen to instructions and tactical plans. But Arteta’s level of detail and planning is next level and pushes even the most experienced of players.

‌That is why there was so much frustration around Jurrien Timber’s injury because of all the summer signings, the £40m Holland defender was the one who “got it” really quickly. For Kai Havertz, a hugely talented and technical player, he is also adapting and getting used to his role in the team and it shows that even for a Germany international and Champions League winner it can take time.

But for Rice, the instructions and detail have really pushed his limits - and will undoubtedly improve him as a player for both club and country. It was Rice who was outstanding for Arsenal at Crystal Palace as the Gunners ground out a second win of the season to send out a clear message of intent that they are ready to go again in the title race.

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‌But Rice has admitted finding the tactical sessions, team meetings, video analysis and instructions a clear step up from anything that he has experienced before. Arteta gives players individual plans, enjoys hearing them talk up in team meetings and really expects players to buy into his methods.

‌They have to be intense in everything they do from gym work to training sessions and working with the coaches. That is why Rice also talks about every day bringing a new challenge. Developing different understandings with different players in a variety of positions.

Have your say! Will Declan Rice help Arsenal win the Premier League? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.

Declan Rice was the backbone of Arsenal's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Rice said: “I take it every day as it comes. I keep trying to listen, trying to focus, building relationships with my teammates on the pitch, and obviously doing what the manager wants of me. I think if I stick to those plans I’ll be just fine in an Arsenal shirt.”

‌Former West Ham midfielder Rice also insists the “feel-good factor” and welcome he has been given at Arsenal by the fans, staff and players has been a hugely inspiring factor. Rice said: “I can’t speak highly enough of the club, the energy around the place, the feel-good factor of the fans, you can just feel it.

‌“When we’ve come out for the warm-up at Crystal Palace, it’s pretty much already full and at the end they’re singing the manager’s name.”

Mikel Arteta is demanding an even better season from his players this term (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

‌Arsenal started last season like a train, with five straight wins in the Premier League and that set the tone for their title challenge as they finished runners-up to Manchester City. Rice was signed in the summer to help bridge that gap between Arsenal and Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

‌There are already clear signs that he can fill those shoes because he gives them a physical presence on the pitch, a confidence when they are under pressure and can also drive forward. Rice will have to be a big player for Arsenal this season if they are to overthrow City in the title race and he insists that the players are as excited as the fans about their winning start to this campaign.

‌Rice added: “The fans are buzzing with the three points, and so are we as players. We’ve got to keep doing that. Six points after two games, it’s a good start and we’ve got to keep pushing.”

‌It is Fulham on Saturday at the Emirates up next for Arsenal. And another chance to keep building because, in this title race, no-one can afford to drop points such is the pressure and demand - especially from Arteta.