Arsenal pulled off a coup when they signed West Ham star Declan Rice last summer, and he has justified his club record fee with ease.
Rice’s outstanding performances in the middle of the park have helped Arsenal challenge for the title, and he is one of several Arsenal players who are being recognised as some of the best in the Premier League.
The England star has not only brought outstanding quality on the pitch, but he has proven himself to be an excellent leader off it, having arrived as a trophy-winning West Ham captain.
He took over the armband at the London Stadium after their club legend Mark Noble retired, and Arsenal Invincible Ray Parlour has now revealed that Rice’s former teammate knew he was the right player to step into his role.
Ray Parlour reveals Mark Noble praise for Arsenal star Declan Rice
Speaking to The Athletic, Parlour revealed that Noble told him about Rice’s leadership qualities before they became apparent at Arsenal, and heaped praise on the 25-year-old.
“Declan Rice, you have been top-class. I know Mark Noble pretty well and he told me you were brilliant around the dressing room, that you have outstanding energy levels, and what you have done so far is great,” Parlour stated.
“It’s a big step up in the biggest games and you have done that. You can go on to score more goals as well to be a complete midfielder. People like to make divisions between holding midfielder and attacking midfielder nowadays but you can be box-to-box.
“When I played midfield and had space in front of me I would run into it and expect my team-mate to tuck in for me. It’s common sense. So that balance can be helpful. Arsenal will look at midfield for next season, to strengthen, so it is exciting to see how that develops.”
Declan Rice has been vital for Arsenal on and off the pitch
On the pitch, Rice has excelled both at the base of midfield and further forward, helping Mikel Arteta’s side form the best defence in the Premier League, whilst also demolishing teams in attack.
He has recorded his best goals and assists tally, whilst also ensuring that Arsenal went unbeaten against ‘big six’ sides this season.
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Off the pitch, he has brought experience and leadership to a young group, and looked settled as soon as he arrived.
Rice has been the dream signing for Arteta, and even if they do not win the league this season, he has shown why Arsenal went out of their way to sign him at great expense last summer.