Wayne Rooney has spoken highly about Declan Rice and how he has been a ‘huge signing’ for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal following his club-record transfer from West Ham United.
The Premier League legend labelled Declan Rice as a ‘fantastic’ player and someone who he thinks, if given the chance, could captain Arsenal today, as he told his press conference.
Of course, the armband is Martin Odegaard’s, but it’s equally important to have players showcasing leadership qualities without the armband because they are just as important.
That’s going to be one side of the game Rice will want to express at the Emirates because there is huge pressure on his shoulders.
The fee that has been paid for his talents is one of the main reasons, but also because of the step up he is taking and the fact that he has now joined a team that is pushing for the Premier League title.
Rooney has seen it all during his career and he knows a seriously top player when he sees one, as he shared his thoughts on Rice and what the £250k-a-week star (90min) can do.
“I think he is a huge signing for Arsenal,” said Rooney. “I think he is a fantastic player. Great mentality. Young.
“Arsenal have got a player that is at the top of his game, but I think he will bring a great character into the dressing room.
“I think he is a captain. I think he could be captain of Arsenal now. He is a player who Arsenal have needed and they certainly have got a top player.”
Goalscoring midfielder Rice?
At West Ham, he played a more defensive role and he didn’t have much freedom to get forward, not forgetting that he played in a more defensive-minded system.
But at Arsenal, he will be able to get forward a lot more. Perhaps play that Granit Xhaka role and, as a result, improve his numbers in the attacking third.
Rice has always proven to be a great striker of the ball, well, now is the time to prove his worth in front of the goal and get his numbers up.
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