Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Declan Rice after his brace against AFC Bournemouth. He believes that the Englishman is among the best midfielders in the world.
Speaking to the media after the 3-2 win at Bournemouth, Arteta said that he was in awe of Rice's determination to get back on the pitch after missing the Aston Villa game. He added that the brace just made things better for him and the team and said (via club website):
"I really love today, the next step of the team in terms of individual personality and presence. Every hour for him was important 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."
When asked if Rice was among the best midfielders in the world,. Arteta swiftly agreed and said:
"For me yes. 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."
Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £105 million and has been a leader at the club. Hs brace against Bournemouth takes his tally to four goals and three assists for the Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta talking to Arsenal star about goals
Mikel Arteta has admitted that he has been pushing Declan Rice to get the most out of his star midfielder. He added that the Englishman needs to understand the position she needs to be in to score goals regularly and said:
"Yes. Not chipping in. To chip in you have to do a lot of things. 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."
Arsenal are now six points clear at the top of the table, but will have their lead cut to four points if Manchester City beat Chelsea on Sunday, January 4. The Gunners face Liverpool next in the league, before taking on Portsmouth in the FA Cup.