In next to no time, Declan Rice has already become one of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s most important players.
The former West Ham United man didn’t arrive into a struggling team, but one that was on the tip of winning the Premier League title.
From back to front, there are high-quality players at Arteta’s disposal, so for Declan Rice to push ahead and become so important is a credit to the player himself – Jude Bellingham hailed him on England duty.
The word ‘world-class’ has been used around these players recently, including from Rio Ferdinand and whether he thinks Bukayo Saka falls into that category.
Whilst the Manchester United legend is waiting on the Hale-End star to reach those levels, Rice thinks two players at Arsenal – Martin Odegaard and Jorginho – are already at those heights.
The England midfielder says it’s ‘so good’ playing alongside the pair and how they are ‘world-class’, as he told Arsenal’s official channel.
Odegaard dons the captain’s armband and is the wonderkid from Real Madrid who is now making a name for himself, whilst Jorginho has a trophy-winning pedigree after winning the Champions League at Chelsea and Euro 2020 with Italy.
Martin Odegaard and Jorginho ‘world-class’
On what it’s like partnering Jorginho and Odegaard: “It’s so good,” responded Rice.
“These players are just world-class players. I have played with so many world-class players in my career so far and I am lucky enough to play with more. I want to keep building my relationships with them and keep enjoying my football with them.”
Declan Rice aiming for ‘world-class’ status
There is no doubt that Rice is playing at the top of his game and has been one of the signings of the season.
But he isn’t world-class yet.
Many believe and would back him to reach those levels, but he has to add the trophies to his game to earn that status.
Winning the Premier League title in your first season as an Arsenal player is one way to go about it, especially given that their fans have waited two decades for that crown.
And you feel if Arsenal can secure that major trophy under Arteta, then they will just go on a roll and continue to charge forward.