Arsenal legend reveals the one Arteta player that has been a revelation this season

Arsenal legend David O’Leary has recently expressed his admiration for new summer signing Declan Rice, highlighting the young midfielder’s impressive start to life as a Gunner. With two goals and two assists in all competitions this season, Rice has quickly become an integral part of Arsenal’s squad. O’Leary’s comments shed light on the high expectations surrounding Rice and his impact on the team.

Rice’s Remarkable Start:
In an interview with talkSport, David O’Leary spoke highly of Declan Rice, emphasizing his belief that the midfielder was always destined for greatness. “Rice has been a revelation,” O’Leary stated. “We always knew he was going to be a top-class player. He was going to come in as what we needed.”

O’Leary’s words reflect the confidence and excitement surrounding Rice’s performances since joining Arsenal. The 24-year-old has seamlessly integrated into the team, showcasing his versatility and skill set both defensively and offensively.

Contributions to Arsenal:
Rice’s impact on Arsenal cannot be understated. With two goals and two assists already this season, he has proven himself as a valuable asset in attack. His ability to find the back of the net while also providing key passes demonstrates his well-roundedness as a midfielder.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Declan Rice of Arsenal applauds the fans following the team’s defeat during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on November 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Furthermore, Rice’s defensive contributions have been crucial in maintaining Arsenal’s solidity at the back. His positional awareness and tackling ability have helped stabilize the Gunners’ midfield, providing a shield for the defense.

Arsenal’s Current Position:
Currently sitting in fourth place on the Premier League table with 24 points in the 2023/24 campaign, Arsenal have had a strong start to their season overall. However, their recent loss against Newcastle United at St James Park marked their first defeat in the league this year.

Looking Ahead:
Despite this setback, Arsenal remains focused on their upcoming fixtures. Their next challenge will be against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. With Rice playing a pivotal role in midfield, fans can expect him to continue making significant contributions to help secure positive results for his team.