Mikel Arteta lauded **Declan Rice**after his display against **Bournemouth**in a 3-2 win for Arsenal.
The Gunners have gone six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and they owe a big debt of gratitude to their talismanic midfielder, who marked his return to the team with two goals.
*“He was so disappointed not to play against Aston Villa. He really wanted it. He tried in the morning, it was nowhere near a possibility. He wanted to train the next day, it wasn't a possibility. Until the last minute I asked him, how are you feeling? He said, I'm in. And he showed that he was big time in.*
“Every hour for [Declan] 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.
“First of all you have to get into those positions. He has the ability when he gets into those positions to put the ball in the back of the net. He's done it in a very similar way in both actions. And he's very consistent there.
“For me [he is one of the best midfielders in the world.] For me the ones that we have are the best. Declan is constantly adding things to his game. He's constantly adding things to his role in the team. I don't see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He's such a pivotal player for us.
“ I think we sit down together and set goals. Setting goals is not enough. You need a plan to implement and make it happen. He's extremely consistent in everything that you ask him to do and everything that he really wants to do. That's what makes the difference.
“First of all, he has the ability and the qualities to achieve that for sure. But then you need the consistency to do it. He's doing it every single day and then you see that kind of performance.”