Declan Rice has made a fast start to the season as Arsenal have moved to the top of the Premier League. The midfielder was named player of the match in Sunday’s win over Liverpool and leads the league with five assists, all created in open play.
Mikel Arteta has adjusted Rice’s role after speaking with him at the start of the campaign. The Arsenal manager said he told Rice he was no longer the team’s “lighthouse” — a label he had previously used for him — and challenged him to contribute more. Arteta has said he will reveal Rice’s new nickname at the end of the season.
Rice said the conversation had encouraged him to focus more on attacking. “This season I’ve really tried to attack that part going forward, trying to come up with assists, create chances, create moments,” he told Match of the Day. He added that his preferred role involves linking play and contributing across midfield, while stressing he would follow the manager’s instructions.
The 27-year-old has featured in different midfield positions, including as a deeper anchor and in more advanced areas. Arsenal’s midfield has rotated more this season, with the arrival of Bruno Guimarães and the use of Myles Lewis-Skelly giving Rice opportunities to move higher up the pitch. He has started every Premier League and Champions League match so far.
Rice’s assist for Kai Havertz’s winning goal against Liverpool drew particular praise from the striker, who said that “90%” of the goal was down to his teammate’s energy and delivery. Rice has recorded 55 goals and assists since joining Arsenal in 2023.
His workload has also been managed differently. After playing 55 games for Arsenal last season and reaching the World Cup semi-finals with England, Rice was given a break from EFL Cup matches and rested by England during the latest international break. He has previously said that playing three games a week helps him find his rhythm.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described Rice as “world class” after the Liverpool match, calling him one of the best midfielders Arsenal have had. Talks over a new contract are ongoing. Arteta has said Rice wants to stay at the club for the long term and that an agreement is a matter of time.
Sources: BBC Sport.