Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard has praised teammate Declan Rice and thinks the competition he has brought to the club can help Mikel Arteta’s side to strive for greatness.
Arsenal had a good season last term but look in even better shape now after bringing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya to the Emirates, and Leandro Trossard thinks their arrivals could result in the Gunners doing something special.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website about Rice, the 28-year-old said: “He’s a top player but also a top guy to speak with and we get along quite good. He can help us in ways we didn’t have before. All the players are happy with the team now. We want to win every game and that’s what we’re competing for.
“There’s more depth and how we compete, everyone has to be at the top of their game. Otherwise, they know they won’t be playing. That’s how you strive for greatness.”
Rice has helped the Gunners to win their first two Premier League games and has already claimed some silverware after Arteta’s men beat Manchester City in the Community Shield earlier this month.
Declan Rice will improve Arsenal
Arsenal signing Rice, Havertz, Timber and Raya may still not be enough for them to win the title, especially now with their Dutch defender injured.
City just seem to be a level above, largely because of Erling Haaland and the kind of firepower he has brought to the European champions.
The arrival of Rice alone, though, should help Arsenal to become a better team. He is an excellent defensive midfielder and is already showing that in a red shirt.
In their 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest, the England international made four tackles, which was the second-highest number on the day (WhoScored).
With Martin Odegaard and Havertz playing in midfield, Rice provides balance. Alongside Thomas Partey, perhaps for some games, the Gunners will also have a very strong engine room.
Rice cost a lot of money, but that is what it often takes to improve your team in this current market.
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