Declan Rice had a fantastic maiden season at the Emirates Stadium. For his success, Arsenal’s decision-makers ended up looking like geniuses, as they agreed to pay £105 million for his swoop.
That being said, there’s an element of surprise about Rice that must have impressed most gunners. It’s evident that Arsenal brought in the Englishman to bolster their defensive midfield.
Because of his brilliance at West Ham, most Gooners probably saw him as Arsenal’s future No. 6. On the outside, football fans were wondering why Arsenal would spend so much money on a player who wasn’t expected to make a big impact on their offence (usually, high transfer fees are reserved for strikers). Regardless, Mikel Arteta saw something special in Rice and took a £105 million chance on him, and we’re happy he did.
Rice, one of the best defensive midfielders, joined Arsenal and underwent a transformation. He quickly became a formidable force in the attack, showcasing his impressive ball-carrying skills, technical skills, athleticism, precise passing, and knack for delivering accurate corners.
Surprisingly, his introduction to the team instantly bolstered Arsenal’s offensive capabilities. All of a sudden, Mikel Arteta decided to give him more freedom in midfield, playing Jorginho as the 6, so that he could make a bigger impact on the team.
There’s talk that Arsenal might be bringing in a really talented midfielder this summer. This could potentially change the dynamics of Arteta’s midfield. The Spaniard might have to make a decision about Rice’s position, whether he sees him as a defensive midfielder or if he’ll keep using him as a box-to-box midfielder.
A lot of Gooners really liked seeing Declan Rice unleashed and would be thrilled if he could keep playing in that free role. I’m willing to bet that’s the direction Arteta would go in. If he chooses not to take that route, it will come as a surprise to many. Recent Champions League statistics suggest that allowing the former Hammer to roam freely would enhance his impact on the team.
Among the 47 players who attempted 20 or more dribbles in the recently concluded UEFA Champions League that Real Madrid won, Declan Rice stood out with the highest success rate. He successfully completed 76.2% of his dribbles. This demonstrates the Englishman’s brilliance in manoeuvring past defences and maintaining possession of the ball under pressure.
Of the 47 players to attempt 20+ dribbles, Declan Rice had the best success rate (76.2%) in the #UCL this season. 🤤 pic.twitter.com/AfyU6wWqSE
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 2, 2024
Imagine if Arsenal managed to sign a top No. 6 player like Guimaraes or Zubimendi, and they played alongside Rice and Odegaard. The potential for this team to create chances would be absolutely terrifying.
By the way, in 38 league games, Rice managed to score seven goals and provide nine assists. Let’s hope he can improve even more on these numbers in the upcoming season as a permanent attacking midfielder. (a la Lampard?).
Jack Anderson
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no question Arsenal need a new #6, probably two in the near term as , like it or not, Partey and Jorginho are nearing the end of their playing days and best days behind them
Guimaraes – is he a genuine #6
Zubimend – does he want to leave Spain
other names come and go
Onana – gone very quiet
Paulinho – the Fulham man is PL proven but rarely talked about
what about the Academy, does not seem be a young #6 making a strong case
despite the clamour for a striker (Ivan Toney anyone?) for me defensive midfield is the biggest priority this window, and most costly if we get wrong
Agree with your thoughts on this. I don’t think we’d want onana or paulinha because they aren’t really the type of possession-controlling playmakers we want for that position, which is why I suspect zubimendi and guimares are being looked at (though I agree, don’t think guimares plays that deeper 6 role too often).
Yes absolutely. Must be a priority.
In my opinion the areas we need to strengthen:
DM
CF
LB
and backup GK due to Ramsdale leaving
They certainly need one, even if it is just to allow for rotation and coverage. Jorginho has been great but with his age injury is possible. With Partey we have to assume that he can’t go full out. I suspect that Partey goes to Italy or Saudi so that will make it even more important.
Agree with Stephanie on the CF. While our scoring got a lot better after Christmas we need a striker as a target to show a different approach.
I think that we have enough people who can play on the wing but we have to find someone that Arteta trusts enough to spell Saka. I also think the same with Odegard, someone Arteta trusts to give him a break from time to time.
I know that LB is a popular spot with a lot of people but I think that we can cover off reasonably well with the back line. If Zinny goes that would change status.
The good thing is that some of these needs are more for strong squad players who can be trusted. I think the CF and the DM need to be starter-caliber.
We were VERY lucky last season with few if any injuries to major players.
I am not sure we will be that lucky next season, so I feel we will need top quality bench strength next season so we can ride any series injuries
We need a top class DM (preferably left sided) to complement Rice and Partey (I think we need to keep him).
We will need a top class CH to cover for Saliba & Gabriel.
We will need a left back, with Kiwior being cover for that position (I assume Timber will cover for White).
My biggest worry is our cover for Odegaard and Saka, we have none (of the same level!!
I fear we need to buy more than 3 new (top class) players.
These new players should also be good enough so we can rest some of our starters in say cup games, or the more easier Prem fixtures.
Just my thoughts