4.1.2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world and he is banking on him as the Gunners chase their first title in 23 years.
Arsenal are six points clear on the Premier League table thanks to Rice’s two goal performance in their 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
“Declan is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team,” Arteta said.
“I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us.
He added: “I think we sit down together and set goals. Setting goals is not enough. You need a plan to implement and make it happen. He’s extremely consistent in everything that you ask him to do and everything that he really wants to do.
” That’s what makes the difference. First of all, he has the ability and the qualities to achieve that for sure. But then you need the consistency to do it. He’s doing it every single day and then you see that kind of performance.”
“We are near the Champions League places, but we also near eight teams behind us, so let’s focus on the next game.”
United are undefeated in their last three league matches but the draw at Leeds is their second in a row.