The former Arsenal star was not impressed with Arteta’s decision to play Rice on the the left of a midfield-three against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
Merson believes that the 24-year-old should be deployed as a holding midfielder.
Rice joined Arsenal from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sent a message about Declan Rice
Merson wrote: “Declan Rice has got to play as a holding midfielder for Arsenal.
“You can’t pay a massive amount for someone and then play them out of position – that surely can’t be right.
“He was brought to the club because he was the best holding midfielder around.”
Arsenal will take on Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
We expect Rice to start for the Gunners.
Rice is likely to start alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield in a 4-3-3 formation.
The former West Ham star is a very good player, and we should trust Arteta to get the best out of him.
Yes, Rice is a brilliant holding midfielder, but he is only 24 and can add more facets to his game.
And, under Arteta, Rice will do so.
Rice has made 204 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
The Englishman has scored 10 goals and given 10 assists in those games.
Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League title this season as well as make an impact in the UEFA Champions League.
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