Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been backed to 'win everything' by England midfielder Declan Rice, who has warned against judging the Spaniard at this stage of his career.
Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice has hailed Mikel Arteta's work at Arsenal.
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Declan Rice has issued a stark warning about writing off Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta too soon, insisting that the Spaniard is destined to become one of football's greatest managers.
The 72-cap England midfielder believes his gaffer will eventually "win everything" as the Gunners prepare to face bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday afternoon's North London Derby. Arsenal head into the showdown sitting top of the Premier League table, though Manchester City could narrow the gap to just one point if they beat Newcastle United beforehand.
Despite Arsenal finishing runners-up in each of the past three campaigns, Rice remains convinced the 43-year-old former midfielder will, ultimately, achieve greatness at the Emirates Stadium. He said: "I think I'm very lucky to say that I've been able to play under him.
"This is the manager who is young in his managerial career still but I think when it's all said and done, he will go down as one of the best."
The midfielder pulled back the curtain on Arteta's pain-staking approach to preparation - honed during his time learning under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - before transitioning into management.
Rice went on: "It's only the start like I said, don't judge him now, judge him at the end when he's won everything because he will. He is just incredible, tactically, everything he does, the way he sets you up.
"I go on to the football pitch and all I have to worry about is playing football - as I know everything tactically. It's like a remote control in my head, he's built it into me, like he's built into every player.
"Every time you go on the pitch, you know what you're doing that's down to him, I can't speak highly enough.
Arteta faces his next crucial test when Thomas Frank's side visit the Emirates Stadium for the first North London Derby of the campaign. But he will have to navigate it without one of his key defenders as Gabriel faces time on the side-lines.
Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are both being considered to fill in for the absent centre-back. That's after the Brazilian was substituted during the victory over Senegal while on international duty.
Arsenal's manager said: "Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the national team - he will be out for weeks. We need to have another scan next Wednesday. We will have the timeline much more clearly than we have at the moment."
Gabriel Magalhaes is side-lined with an injury.
Gabriel Magalhaes is side-lined with an injury.
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Mosquera has Premier League experience this term, featuring seven times including a brief two-minute substitute appearance against Sunderland. Ecuador international Hincapie has managed only two league outings so far - both as a substitute.
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