In the current season, Kevin De Bruyne has expressed apprehension about three Arsenal players, acknowledging that Arsenal stands as the sole club with the potential to thwart Manchester City’s pursuit of another Premier League title.
Former Premier League left-back Stephen Warnock has praised Declan Rice’s consistent performance for Arsenal, particularly commending his recent standout display.
Rice, now entrusted with set-pieces, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s commanding 6-0 victory over West Ham, contributing two assists and netting a remarkable curling goal.
According to Warnock, Rice’s reliability is evident, emphasizing his reluctance to be substituted and describing him as a player who excels in a box-to-box midfield role.
Rice’s versatility has been a crucial asset for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, with the 25-year-old featuring in nearly every game and demonstrating resilience.
The only exceptions were the Champions League’s final group game against PSV and the initial League Cup match against Brentford.
Despite the substantial playing time, Warnock underscores that Rice’s commitment remains unwavering, emphasizing the critical juncture in the Premier League title race and the commencement of the Champions League knockout stages.
Reflecting on Rice’s dedication to Arsenal, Warnock acknowledges the player’s excellence, stating that despite the financial investment of £100 million, his quality justifies the price tag.
According to Warnock, Rice possesses the ability to simplify the game and take control when needed, demonstrating leadership qualities by grabbing it “by the scruff of the neck.”
