Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders globally, following his impressive performance in Arsenal‘s recent match against Bournemouth. Rice scored two goals in the second half, turning the tide in a tightly contested game that began with Arsenal taking an early lead. This victory allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
The match unfolded dramatically after Arsenal’s initial goal in the 10th minute, resulting from a defensive error. Evanilson quickly equalised for Bournemouth just six minutes later. A tense atmosphere prevailed until Junior Kroupi’s long-range strike in the 76th minute threatened to change the dynamics once again. However, Arsenal managed to maintain their composure to secure the win.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 for a club-record fee of £105 million (approximately $141.4 million), has adapted his role significantly on the pitch. Arteta noted that Rice has evolved from a primarily defensive midfielder to a more versatile number eight, showcasing his capacity to grow and improve.
When asked about Rice’s development into one of football’s elite midfielders, Arteta stated, “Yes, for me. For me, the ones that we have are the best and Declan is constantly adding things to his game.” The Arsenal manager highlighted Rice’s drive to enhance his skills and his importance to the team.
Arteta also addressed the significance of Gabriel Magalhaes‘s recovery from an early mistake that led to Bournemouth’s equaliser. “What Gabi Magalhaes has done after making a big mistake to concede the goal, the way he reacted to that, the way he played afterwards, the way he transmitted energy after that, it was remarkable,” he said.
Moreover, Arteta acknowledged Rice’s determination to compete despite battling a swollen knee. He expressed admiration for Rice’s performance, saying, “Every hour for him was important to be able to be available today. We didn’t know for how long, so in the manner that he competed, played and on top of that scored two goals, I think it was outstanding and a really big message for the team.”
This victory not only underscores Arsenal’s strong position in the league but also highlights the growing influence of players like Rice and Magalhaes. With the season progressing, Arteta’s side appears poised to challenge for the title, bolstered by the contributions of their key players.
