Tim Sherwood has admitted that he once doubted whether Arsenal’s new hero Declan Rice would reach such levels in his career.
When the 25-year-old was a teenager, he was released by Chelsea and that road saw him join West Ham United.
That move opened the door for Declan Rice’s career to hit serious heights, including becoming a key player for the Hammers and helping them win their first trophy in over 40 years last season.
Now in the colours of Arsenal, Tim Sherwood thinks the hard-hitting midfielder is a ‘dream’ for a manager, as he told Premier League Productions (12/02/24 at 5:05 pm).
On Sunday, Declan Rice produced one of the best-ever performances of his career when he scored and assisted twice as Mikel Arteta watched his team hit West Ham for six.
It was another example of why the England international is one of the best players in the Premier League because he was outstanding from minute one.
But that’s something the Arsenal faithful have been used to all season long, with Tim Sherwood hailing the development the box-to-box midfielder has made in his career.
Declan Rice’s rise
“It was an emotional game for him going back there,” said Sherwood. “But I think Arteta has improved him and developed his game.
“Like you say, we see him taking set-pieces, the concentration levels and the quality that he delivers. He is just a leader.
“When he first broke into the Premier League, I wasn’t too sure. But continually he develops every game almost. He has grown now and he is a real reference for them. He drives through them. You talk about breaking lines and passes. Sometimes Declan sees a little gap, drops a shoulder and runs through. You can’t catch him.
“The size of him. He is 6ft 3. He can run with the ball. He is a good dribbler. The passing range is there. He is also prepared to win tackles. The dirty side of the game. He heads balls out of his own box. He is a manager’s dream.”
Declan Rice ticking all the boxes
Everything Arsenal fans wanted from Rice he is, so far, delivering and then some more!
Of course, the main objective of all is to win the Premier League title. Yes, Arsenal had a little wobble before the winter break.
But since they have returned, and as they proved during their recent win over Liverpool, they still mean business and are doing everything in their power to win the title again.
And if that happens, then Rice will have played a huge part and it wouldn’t be a surprise, by the time the final ball is kicked, he is winning the club’s Player of the Season award because there hasn’t been anyone else better.
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