Pires is not the only Premier League legend to be won over by the England international. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, famously hard to please and often critical of Arsenal in the past, has also lauded Rice’s development. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s recent 0-0 draw with Liverpool, which saw them extend their lead at the summit, Keane argued that Rice has elevated his game to a world-class level.
"He seems a pretty humble guy but he’s also got a bit of confidence about him, you need a little bit of an ego to play for a big club," Keane observed on Sky Sports. "You look at his career and he obviously did a brilliant job for West Ham and now at Arsenal he’s surrounded by better players."
Keane also highlighted the tactical evolution in Rice’s game under Arteta. No longer just a defensive screen, he has become a box-to-box force. "His role has changed a bit, he’s getting forward a lot more. We always thought he had goals in him because his technique is that good and he’s a smart player. Is he one of the top players in the world now? I do think he is, given what he’s doing at Arsenal and of course with England as well."