Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has compared Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to Michael Essien.

Rice delivered a man-of-the-match display against Crystal Palace in the 1-0 win on Monday evening but, when talking up the Gunners star’s style of play, Neville said it reminded him of the former Chelsea player:

“What I think he brings to Arsenal’s midfield is power, personality and physicality. Essien brought that to Chelsea. I think that would, for me, be a better example of what I see him as.”

“[Claude] Makelele was the defender, [Frank] Lampard was the goals and Essien, and this is not a criticism by the way, Essien was a brilliant player. I loved him at Chelsea.”

“I thought he was outstanding, but he was the power, he was a force in there for three or four years. And for me, I see him more as an Essien. I wouldn’t put him personally in the category of Keane and Vieira.”

A surprising comparison to make

Considering many have said that Rice’s best position is as a traditional no.6, it’s good to hear a pundit like Neville stressing that there is more to the England international’s game.

As he points out, Rice is powerful and he can carry the ball long distances up the pitch, much like Essien used to do.

Arsenal fans will be excited with what they have seen from Rice

After a couple of solid, if not spectacular, performances against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, the Gunners’ record signing began to show what he is all about at Selhurst Park.

Not only was Rice good in possession, switching the play when needed and setting up Eddie Nketiah for one of his chances in the first half. Off the ball, he shielded the defence expertly and contributed massively to Mikel Arteta’s side holding on to the three points with ten men.