Glenn Hoddle has labelled Declan Rice 'the most effective player' in the Premier League, while Ray Parlour has urged Arsenal to tie him down to a new deal after his performance against Leeds.
Arsenal produced a second-half comeback to beat Daniel Farke's side 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. Riccardo Calafiori drew his side level to wipe out James Justin's opener before Bruno Guimaraes emerged from the bench to score the winner with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Rice started the game having missed England's matches during the international break and was heavily involved in his side's slick second goal, backheeling into the path of Guimaraes who lashed home.
Hoddle praises Rice's versatility
'That's the beauty of Rice,' said Hoddle, speaking to Premier League Productions as he lavished praise on the midfielder. 'One minute he's blocking the ball on the line or the edge of the box, saving the day defensively, the next he can come up with a bit of skill when he's released and allowed to go play a little bit with more freedom.'
'He had a lovely bit of skill on the byline where he dummied, came in and nearly scored.'
'For me, he's the most effective player in the PL, he can do anything, he can play anywhere and he will give you a 9/10 every week. He is a very good player.'
Parlour urges contract extension
Mikel Arteta signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates this week with reports suggesting the club are also close to tying Rice down to a new contract.
Former Gunners star Parlour urged his old side to get his new deal signed, sealed and delivered as soon as possible.
'We talk about Arteta's new contract, I think he will be the next one,' Parlour said of Rice. 'You need to tie him down because I think he only has two years left on his contract. I think there are talks now so Declan Rice will be the next one to get a bumper deal.'
