This isn’t just a case of Rice stepping up a level, in terms of pushing for the Premier League title this season, but also a big change in terms of style of play – Michael Owen thinks he ‘walks into any dressing room’.
At West Ham United, the 24-year-old was used to playing as the deepest midfielder in a defensive-minded system for David Moyes.
Rice was used to sitting deep, absorbing pressure, having very little of the ball and then hitting teams on the counter.
But now all of that has changed because, at Arsenal, he is on the ball a lot more, further up the pitch and being asked more questions about the attacking side of his game.
More to come from Rice
“I truly believe Declan Rice, he is only working, at the moment, to about 60-65% capacity of his talent,” said Campbell.
“I really do. I say that because, in games, you are starting to see him trying things where he drives, trying to play one-twos and pass the ball in and around the opponent’s box. Sometimes it comes off and sometimes it doesn’t.
“But he is learning how to play in this system. It’s only four games and he has been immense in all four games. Imagine when he has got 24 games under his belt and what he is going to be like.
“I just think his ceiling is massive. I will be brutally honest with you. When Thomas Partey is fit and you got those two as a pivot, then you see the best of these guys in the Champions LeagueRice’s attacking numbers
Given that the England international is now playing further up the pitch, he will be hoping to be amongst the goals a lot more because that is the next step in his career.
Against Manchester United on Sunday, he netted his first goal for Arsenal, with Owen Hargreaves controversially sharing why he won’t be world-class.
If Rice guides Arteta’s side to the Premier League title, not only will Arsenal fans throw that ‘world-class’ label on him, but he will also become a club legend.
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