Declan Rice's position for club and country has been a hot topic this month, with Mikel Arteta and England boss Thomas Tuchel utilising the Arsenal star is different ways
Declan Rice for Arsenal
Declan Rice discussed his position at Arsenal this season and what's different
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made clear he disagrees with Declan Rice that his position in the Gunners team has changed this season. The midfielder has continued to be one of Arteta's most important players this season with him playing in every single one of their 12 games.
Earlier this week, Rice opened up about his various positions for club and country after England boss Thomas Tuchel played the former West Ham star further forward in the recent international break. "It doesn't bother me," he said when asked about his position.
"I think now I'm more of a box-to-box number eight. The manager [Arteta] has adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can, and it's the same with Thomas [Tuchel].
"That really suits me on the left side of midfield - being able to get back. An all- round-action midfielder is what I want to be."
However, speaking in his press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace, Arteta disagreed with Rice.
"Again, I heard some quotes he made that this season, his position has changed a little bit and I disagree with that because his position has evolved and he is becoming a total player.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice is one of England's and Arsenal's most important players
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"A total player has to be able to do as many things as possible and he has the capacity to do that. So that's to evolve a player, to start to bring something else to the team and especially when you talk about scoring goals, he's letting the position evolve even better and he's been instrumental in our improvement in that part of the game."
For Arsenal this season, Rice has played alongside Martin Zubimendi as Arteta's two holding midfielders. The England international has been more advanced than the Spain international, who cost £60million.
So far this season, Rice leads the way for the Gunners on total ball carries (147), passes into the box (57) and chances created (alongside Bukayo Saka on 13). The 26-year-old has already registered four assists and one goal this campaign.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi
Declan Rice has formed a strong partnership with Martin Zubimendi in Arsenal's midfield
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Rice also said: "When you have confidence in football you feel unstoppable at times and I think I ended the season really strong.
"I probably didn't start the first one or two games of this season as good as I wanted but I have picked up my form now.
"I feel really strong, I feel fit, I feel really confident in my game. Hopefully the only way is up from here with England and Arsenal."
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