Jamie O’Hara thinks Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is now ‘world-class’ following his club-record transfer from West Ham United.
Last season, whenever Thomas Partey was missing, it was very evident and troublesome for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side.
But the Ghana star has only played 15 minutes of Premier League football since August, which hasn’t hurt Arsenal because of Declan Rice’s form and performances in the middle of the park.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara stated that the England international is playing so well that he ‘never gives the ball away’, as he told Sky Sports News.
Many Arsenal fans expected their big-money summer capture to have an impact, but to deal with the pressure and ease himself in like he has done is a credit to the player.
And there are so many levels the Europa Conference League winner can yet hit, as he gets used to Mikel Arteta’s system and playing in the Champions League.
‘World-class’ Declan Rice
“I have watched him go to Arsenal, the pressure is on, can he step up?” said O’Hara. “It is a step up because West Ham fans don’t seem to think. But it is a massive step up for him.
“His performances again, he never gives the ball away! He protects the ball. Now you are starting to see him dictate the tempo of the game. I think the shackles are off with him.
“You are seeing him carry the ball. Going past people. He is dominating that midfield. I knew he was a brilliant player, but I wouldn’t have said he was a world-class player at West Ham. You would say Rodri is a world-class player.
“I look at Declan Rice and go as a midfielder, you are a world-class player.”
Declan Rice returns to West Ham United
It’s League Cup action for Arsenal on Wednesday night as they travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United.
This is the first time Rice will be returning to his former club, with Jason Cundy blasting West Ham fans who are going to boo Rice.
Rice’s last game for the club was in Prague as he lifted the Europa Conference League. A moment West Ham fans will remember for a long time.
But Rice now plays for the other side, so if they want to boo him, then they have every right to give him as much stick as they want.
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