Declan Rice has started the season in sensational form, emerging as one of Arsenal’s standout performers as his side climbs to the top of the Premier League table. The 27-year-old midfielder was named player of the match following Arsenal’s victory against Liverpool on Sunday, cementing his status as a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s squad.
A New Role and Increased Output
Rice leads the Premier League with five assists this season, all originating from open play. This surge in productivity follows a tactical shift by Arteta, who told Rice at the beginning of the campaign that he is no longer the team’s “lighthouse”—a nickname the manager previously gave him—and challenged him to contribute more.
Arteta stated that he will reveal Rice’s new nickname at the end of the season. Following the win against Liverpool, Rice told Match of the Day that the position he is currently playing suits him best and acknowledged that the manager’s demands have pushed him to attack more, create chances, and deliver assists while maintaining his defensive duties.
Teammate Kai Havertz credited Rice for 90% of his winning goal against Liverpool, highlighting the quality of the delivery and the midfielder’s relentless energy. With the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, Rice has enjoyed occasional rests in the EFL Cup and during international duty, helping him manage his workload after playing 55 matches last season alongside an England World Cup run.
High Praise and Contract Talks
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher lauded Rice as world class following his performance at Anfield, describing him as one of the finest midfielders in Arsenal’s history and the best in the Premier League by a wide margin.
Arsenal’s midfield has seen frequent rotation this year, allowing Rice to push further up the pitch alongside players like Myles Lewis-Skelly while occasionally anchoring the base. Despite the tactical variations, Rice has started every Premier League and Champions League fixture.
Meanwhile, discussions regarding a new contract are ongoing. Arteta noted that Rice is keen to remain at the club for the long term and that resolving the contract details is simply a matter of time.
