Arteta's Bold Claim on Rice's Potential
Mikel Arteta has made a significant declaration about Declan Rice's future, insisting the £105million midfielder can reach even greater heights despite his outstanding current form. The Arsenal manager's comments come as the Gunners prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Title Race Implications at Stamford Bridge
This London derby carries substantial weight in the title race, with Arsenal aiming to open up a nine-point gap over Chelsea. The Gunners approach the match in formidable form, having secured impressive victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich that have seen them hailed as Europe's finest by many observers.
Arteta addressed the significance of these consecutive statement victories, noting: "Those are statements we are talking about every three days. After beating Spurs at home, then we had to make the statement again, Bayern Munich. We've done that, and now we have to go to the next one."
The Arsenal boss emphasised his team's relentless mindset, adding: "That's where we are; we know the importance of the week. Not only that, but what is coming after three days will be exactly the same. Nothing is going to change, but we are super motivated for the game."
Chelsea's Regret and Rice's Evolution
Chelsea approach this match with particular interest in Rice's development, having released the England international at youth level in 2013. The Blues pursued him extensively during his time at West Ham United, only for Arsenal to secure his signature in that record-breaking transfer.
Rice has delivered crucial performances in Arsenal's recent victories, earning the Player of the Match accolade against Bayern Munich. Despite some observers mentioning him in Ballon d'Or conversations, Arteta believes there's considerable room for improvement.
"Being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him in the way I have done... We are going to get more," Arteta stated. "Because he wants more, the team knows him better, his role is growing around the team. The impact he has on the team, it's huge."
Although Rice has only scored twice in 19 matches this season, Arteta identified goal-scoring as just one area of potential development. "That will vary related to the position and the spaces he occupies, but there will be other areas he will evolve," the manager commented.
Arteta admitted that Rice has surpassed even his ambitious expectations since joining the club. "I don't think you have to be a genius, you know? I knew him for a long time, and I knew how he could evolve and change the team. He has certainly done it, and probably improved on those expectations."
The Arsenal manager revealed that watching Rice in person convinced him of the midfielder's special qualities. "If you have the option to see a player live and sense him, and get that energy, presence and charisma, on top of his qualities, it's something else. Probably when he was around, I said, 'Hmm, that's a special player.'"
As Arsenal prepare for their trip to Stamford Bridge, all eyes will be on whether Rice can once again deliver a statement performance against the club that once let him go.
