Declan Rice has been overwhelmingly voted as Arsenal's standout performer for the calendar year of 2025, a testament to his transformative impact following a pivotal summer transfer decision by manager Mikel Arteta.
Midfield Masterstroke Unlocks Rice's Potential
In a bid to maximise the talents of their then-record £105 million signing, Arteta identified the need for a specialist deep-lying midfielder last summer. The club acted decisively, securing Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £55 million, marking their first major outfield acquisition.
While Zubimendi has excelled in his anchoring role, his arrival has had a liberating effect on Rice. Freed from some defensive responsibilities, the England star has flourished, showcasing the full breadth of his world-class ability. This strategic shift was validated in a recent Mirror Football WhatsApp poll, where Gunners supporters named Rice their runaway Player of the Year for 2025.
A Year of Defining Moments and Dominant Displays
The poll considered the entire calendar year, allowing fans to reflect on crucial moments from the tail end of the 2024/25 season alongside the current campaign. Rice's campaign was defined by a spectacular Champions League performance, where he scored two stunning free-kicks in a victory over Real Madrid.
He faced stiff competition from teammates including centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba, goalkeeper David Raya, and winger Bukayo Saka. However, the result was emphatic, with the midfielder securing more than three-quarters of all votes cast.
His form has carried into the new season, with a dominant display in a recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton drawing particular praise. His former West Ham manager, David Moyes, labelled him "probably the best midfielder in the world," while Arteta lauded his consistency and leadership.
Leadership Qualities Spark Captaincy Conversations
Beyond his on-pitch excellence, Rice's growing influence as a leader has become impossible to ignore. His demeanour and performance have even prompted discussions about a future change in the captain's armband, both at club and international level.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney was effusive in his praise following the Everton match, stating on his show: "For me, he's the future captain of England. He's the one who's probably waiting for Harry [Kane] to hang up his boots... He's irreplaceable for England." Similar sentiments have been echoed by some Arsenal fans regarding the club's permanent captaincy, currently held by Martin Odegaard.
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of major honours in 2025/26, the decision to build around Declan Rice's unique talents is being richly rewarded, with the midfielder now firmly established as the team's most influential and celebrated figure.
