Manchester United legend and prominent pundit Roy Keane has made a significant declaration about Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, labelling him as one of the elite footballers on the planet. The high praise comes amid an eye-catching individual season for the England international, who has been pivotal in Arsenal's push for the Premier League title.
Keane's Glowing Endorsement of Arsenal's Star
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United captain did not hold back in his assessment of Rice's development since his high-profile move from West Ham United. "Is he one of the top players in the world now? I do think he is," stated Keane emphatically. He highlighted Rice's evolving role at the Emirates Stadium, noting his increased attacking contributions.
Keane pointed to Rice's technical ability and intelligence, suggesting the player always had the potential for goals. "We always thought he had goals in him because his technique is that good and he's a smart player," Keane explained. He also praised Rice's character, describing him as a "humble guy" with the necessary confidence and "a little bit of an ego" required to excel at a major club like Arsenal.
Arteta Echoes the Praise for His Pivotal Player
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was quick to agree with Keane's lofty assessment. When asked if Rice was among the best midfielders currently playing, Arteta's response was unequivocal. "Yes, for me yes. For me the ones that we have are the best," the Gunners' boss affirmed.
Arteta emphasised Rice's relentless drive for improvement, a key trait that has defined his impact in North London. "Declan is constantly adding things to his game. He's constantly adding things to his role in the team. I don't see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve," Arteta said, concluding that Rice is "such a pivotal player for us."
Rice's Meteoric Rise to the Top
The 25-year-old's journey to this point has been marked by consistent progression. Signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2023 for a club-record fee, Rice has seamlessly transitioned from West Ham captain to a cornerstone of Arteta's project.
His statistics underscore his importance:
- 131 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions since joining.
- 20 goals scored for the Gunners, including a recent FA Cup hat-trick against Portsmouth.
- 72 caps for the England national team, cementing his status as a Three Lions regular.
This season, Rice has featured in 28 matches across all competitions, driving an Arsenal side that sits top of the Premier League table after 21 fixtures. The team is engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy with Manchester City and Aston Villa, hoping to end a two-decade wait for the domestic crown.
Rice's form will be crucial as Arsenal navigate a packed schedule, which includes a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday and the ongoing Premier League title race. With his contract running until 2028, the London-born midfielder is poised to be a defining figure for the club for years to come, now with the endorsement of one of football's most respected and hard-to-please critics firmly in his corner.
