Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes that Declan Rice has shown how good a footballer he is when asked to play in a more advanced role in midfield
Some pundits questioned the 25-year-old’s output in the final third before his arrival at the Emirates, but Henry says the Gunners’ record signing has proven his critics wrong:
“People were talking about, and I know that I am going off last season, okay, Xhaka last season, oh he is better. “No, he is not better. He plays in a different position, so you cannot see his weaknesses where he used to lose the ball more often than not.
“Declan Rice, we know that he is magnificent there, but he playing higher than he has ever played in his career. So, obviously, he is at the end of movement to give assist[s] and to score goals.”
“Look at him – the run he made, you know the header against Luton when he goes into the box. He wants the ball, he is there, he is allowed because he has Jorginho under.”
Rice’s stats for this campaign prove the point that Henry makes
The England international has racked up 5 goals and 7 assists in 37 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival back in the summer.
Despite playing 50 games for West Ham last season, Rice only managed 5 goals and 4 assists, demonstrating that he has become more of an offensive weapon since moving across London.
Arsenal now have depth in the middle of the pitch
As Henry mentions, the form of Jorginho in the holding midfield role has given license to Rice to play in more advanced positions. Even if the Italian’s performance levels do drop, though, they now have another player on standby waiting to take his place.
For the first time since October, Thomas Partey is back fit and available, having played the last half hour against Sheffield United on Monday night.
