Arsenal Boss Arteta Names Attribute Rice Must Improve To Reach Next ‘Level’

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has insisted that Declan Rice must improve a key attribute that will take the in-form midfielder to “another level”.

Upon joining the Gunners for £105 million ($137 million) from West Ham United, the England international has established himself as a key member of the midfield. Although Rice ticks most boxes that one would generally expect from a No. 8, Arteta believes that he must work on his goal-scoring capability to unlock his full potential.

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Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “He has shown that he has an eye for goals when he is in the opponents’ box. He is a real threat. That is something that can be developed. His leadership skills will naturally grow in the team and club in the years to come. He has other levels to go. I love his presence on the pitch, he’s got something special. Playing as a No 8 he can be an incredible player.”

Prior to Thomas Partey’s injury, Rice played a more advanced role in Arsenal’s midfield; however, he had to adjust to a deep-lying central position. Interestingly, David Moyes at West Ham changed the style to give Rice more flexibility by assigning Tomas Soucek more defensive responsibilities. In his final two seasons with the Hammers, the midfielder contributed 18 goals, repaying the faith placed in him.

Rice has scored three goals for Arsenal this season, including one against Chelsea and two against Manchester United and Luton Town in stoppage time.

Arteta appreciated Rice’s quick learning and positive response to constructive criticism and at the same time hailed his humility and intelligence in handling the pressure following a big-money move from the Hammers.

“When they put the price tag, you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way,” Arteta said.

“He is really humble and the way he takes positive criticism is really powerful. Every time you switch the TV on, they will be talking about Arsenal and talking about Declan.

“There were a lot of question marks and that’s something you have to overcome because they’re going to be looking at every statistic and every movement that you make. Then take things in a way that is constructive and put it in the context of ‘in game to game, action to action’ — this can change very quickly. He’s very intelligent to manage it.”

Rice is scheduled to play at the Emirates on Thursday against his old team, West Ham.