BBC pundits and former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer praised Arsenal superstar Declan Rice for his excellent performance against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Lineker gave Rice his flowers for his limitless energy in the middle of the park – Shearer, on the other hand, highlighted his awareness to clear a certain goal off the line with his head in the first half.
Both of them concurred that Rice is integral to Arsenal’s title charge in the Premier League this season – however, they also noted that he will have to remain consistent if the Gunners are to keep their position in and around the top spot.
Currently, Arsenal are second in the Premier League table, just behind bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.
What did the pundits say about Declan Rice?
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Lineker said: “I thought [Declan] Rice was superb. He was all over the pitch. Passing the ball forward, I thought he was exceptional. He has really settled in very quickly there.”
Meanwhile, Shearer added: “He made a couple of great statement tackles. Made the clearance off the line also. He, without doubt, is loving his football there and he’s going to have to keep doing that if Arsenal are going to win the league.”
Additionally, Rice was also singled out for praise by Garth Crooks in his team of the week column. He wrote: “There can be no doubt in my mind that Arsenal’s purchase of Declan Rice, admittedly for an obscene amount of money, once again demonstrates the Gunners’ determination to leave no stone unturned to bring the Premier League title to the red part of north London.”
Is Declan Rice the most important player in the Arsenal team?
It has been said countless times before, but it cannot be overstated just how much the arrival of Rice has improved Arsenal’s overall play. Not only is he a wonderful passer, his defensive ability allows the Gunners to be much more gung-ho when moving forwards.
He breaks up play authoritatively and he also has the ability to turn defence into attack within an instant. He is the perfect player for Mikel Arteta’s intricate system.
On top of this, he is also capable of providing a goal threat when given license to do so. He is a midfielder with no weaknesses – and he was worth the £105 million that Arsenal paid for him.
