The word ‘world-class’ is starting to be used with Arsenal of late, as their star players push for the Premier League title and look to showcase their worth on the Champions League scene.
Previously, the debates have been about if Bukayo Saka falls into that category given the consistency he is starting to show in his game or if it’s his captain, Martin Odegaard.
But Scott Parker firmly believes new boy Declan Rice is an ‘all-round world-class’ player after his latest performance in Arsenal colours, as he told Premier League Productions (11/03/24 at 10:45 pm).
The 25-year-old opened the scoring during his side’s nervy 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday, which sent Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal have remained top of the tree because Liverpool and Manchester City couldn’t put each other to the sword on Sunday.
Nonetheless, since his club-record transfer to the Emirates, Declan Rice is already proving to be one of Arsenal’s best players, if not the first name on the team sheet.
From game one, up until now, it’s hard to pick a game where he just hasn’t played well because, as Scott Parker pointed out, he is that ‘all-round’ midfield player.
Is Declan Rice world-class?
“He is someone who puts out fires,” said Parker. “He constantly is aware – This is someone who is breaking up the play on the edge of his box and carrying the ball. Unbelievably athletic, in terms of driving with the ball.
“When Jorginho plays in this team, you often find that Declan goes up a line and now starts playing in between lines. I have been very impressed when he has stepped up a line.
“For me, he is an all-round midfielder. He is just an all-round world-class midfielder.
“I think his best position is a six. A player like him, in your team and as a coach, they make you feel at ease. When you stand on the sidelines and, in certain moments, you are exposed, he is a player you look ‘where is he?’ Where is that sort of player that you know can smell danger and you are going to need.”
Trophies needed to hit the world-class category
There is no doubt that Arsenal have a number of players, from back to front, who are performing at such a high standard.
But you can’t be throwing the world-class term at these players until they push their team over the trophy line.
So far, Rice has done the business in the big games, but from Manchester City away after the international break, Aston Villa at home, Brighton away, Tottenham away and the Champions League, finish off like you started, then the big talk can start.
If Arsenal can see through these type of games with maximum points, then there is no reason why they won’t win the Premier League title and perform well in Europe.
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