Declan Rice, Arsenal’s record-breaking signing, emphasises that he should not be judged solely based on his £100m price tag at the moment of arrival, but rather at the conclusion of his tenure with the club.
Having stood out in the Premier League for West Ham over several seasons, the midfielder has now secured a lucrative move to the Emirates, a deal that involved prolonged negotiations with his former club.
Traditionally, when players make such high-value transfers to a new team, they are immediately assessed based on their price, with expectations for Rice to perform like a £100m player right from his debut. This scrutiny also invites rival fans to taunt Arsenal supporters if he faces a rough start.
However, Rice believes that fair judgment should come after his time at the club has concluded, not merely at the beginning.
He tells ESPN:
“At the end, judge me on the price tag then, don’t judge me after two or three weeks. Hopefully at the end, that’s why I’ve come to Arsenal because I want to be a success and I want this club to be a success.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Rice comes to the Emirates with a big reputation and is one man we expect to succeed at the club.
From the beginning of his spell, he will know the expectations placed on him are high, but that is absolutely normal in football.
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Only a fool (I use that word purposely) would judge a player after two games… remember Henry and Bergkamp?
👍 Value for money takes time to assess, provided opportunities are given to showcase your worth.
Not too sure about waiting for the end of his tenure, but I agree Rice needs a bit more time to settle, to cool down. 10 games into the season should be a reasonable yardstick.
Has a point, athletes are different than regular folk. However, this isn’t a perfect world, and that’s not how it works in sports.
Perhaps defer his wages as well to the end of his time at Arsenal, so that they ensure he earned the pay.
Expectations come with the job, it’s part and parcel of big clubs.
Can’t defer responsibility and accountability, it’s not like interest on a loan. Don’t like the pressure, stay at West Ham.
The expectation by many is to deliver now, that’s why he was chosen that’s why ownership backed Arteta and Rice to the tune of 105 million.
No one expects Rice to be perfect, just better than what we had. Give 100 %, have intensity and fight every time you step on the pitch.
Show that every match and his time at Arsenal will take care of itself.
Exactly my thought.
Every player are judge with their price tag, so his won’t be different. Let him just show up and prove he is better than what we have.
Have seen many people saying he is better than Partey, so let him prove that.
You don’t need to be as good as Partey in your first season but show us signs that you will be better.
I hope to see the Rice that steps onto the field for England, now that’s a competitor. England looks a tough team to face and Rice usually stands out as the toughest-looking midfielder in a strong midfield
Partey with Odegaard and Havertz was good, Rice needs to step up, well he seems a player that listens and learns, so I expect improvement, IMO, I would have preferred Lucas Pasqueta,
I’m almost certain,if Partey and Rice play in midfield together against top teams, we’ll give them a run for their money.