Arsenal
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Micah Richards has hailed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, claiming the England international has elevated his performances to become “one of the best players in world football.”
Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s comfortable Premier League victory over Burnley on Saturday, setting up Viktor Gyokeres’ opening goal from a corner before finding the net himself. The 26-year-old’s influence continues to grow following his £105 million switch from West Ham United in 2023, and Richards believes he is now central to Arsenal’s ambitions of finally clinching the league title.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who have finished as runners-up for the past three seasons, currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League after ten matches of the 2025/26 campaign, a position Richards credits partly to Rice’s exceptional form.
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“I don’t like singling players out because it’s a team effort and I have to give Mikel Arteta credit for building that, but I have to identify Declan Rice,” Richards said onThe Rest is Football podcast. “He’s taken his game to the next level now where you’re talking about one of the best in world football.
Declan Rice goal
Declan Rice (Image credit: Getty Images)
“We saw at West Ham a very good player and I remember some pundits criticised him a little bit in terms of what he is and what’s his best position but he’s everything in that midfield.
“He can do everything and he’s consistently putting in these performances which mean we have to start talking about him as one of the best players in world football. It is so good to see and if Arsenal do win the Premier League this season it will be because of players like him. I said at the start that it’s a team game but he’s just exceeding all expectations.”
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Former England striker Gary Lineker echoed Richards’ praise, agreeing that Rice’s all-around game sets him apart. “I think that’s fair,” Lineker said. “People talked about his position but he’s got it all, he’s all-encompassing.
“The amount of ground he covers and the way he advances forward with the ball and puts in those deliveries while being so smart defensively… he’s got it all. He’s one of those players who just continues to improve.”
With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool occupying the top three spots as the season takes shape, Rice’s commanding presence in midfield could prove decisive in the Gunners’ pursuit of their first Premier League crown in over two decades.
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