The 'golden pieces' that elevate Declan Rice at Arsenal

Declan Rice is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League, but what factors contribute to his outstanding performance?

When Arsenal spent £105 million to sign Declan Rice from West Ham during the summer transfer window of 2023, many doubted the move. The record-breaking fee for an English player raised questions among experts: could Rice handle such enormous expectations?

Two years later, the answer is clear: he has not only met those expectations with top-class performances but has also become one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, playing a central role in Mikel Arteta’s football philosophy.

Declan Rice becoming more well-rounded

After more than 100 appearances for the Gunners, Rice has scored 18 goals and provided 22 assists, demonstrating his influence not only in defense but also in initiating attacks. In the recent 2-0 win over Burnley, the 26-year-old midfielder scored again, helping Arsenal maintain their ambition to claim the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season. Premier League 2025/26 season.

Notably, Rice’s impressive form is partly due to the arrival of two “golden pieces” in Arteta’s squad: Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, two signings that have transformed Arsenal’s midfield and attack.

Gyokeres, the ideal partner in the attacking system

Signed from Sporting CP for around £65 million, Viktor Gyokeres quickly proved his worth. The Swedish striker has scored 4 Premier League goals, often appearing at the right moments inside the penalty area, something Arsenal had lacked for many seasons. Gyokeres’ presence gives Rice a clear target for set pieces and long passes.

In the match against Burnley, Rice’s curling corner kick allowed Gabriel to head the ball to Gyokeres for a goal, a scenario that also occurred in the 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid earlier. Their chemistry is making Arsenal more dangerous on set pieces, a key weapon in previous seasons.

Zubimendi, the “steel shield” allowing Rice to shine freely

However, the standout signing of the summer is Martin Zubimendi. After securing the midfielder from Real Sociedad for £55 million, Arsenal finally found the perfect piece for the “number 6” position. Thanks to Zubimendi, Rice no longer needs to drop deep defensively and can comfortably play box-to-box, fully unleashing his attacking abilities.

Statistics show Zubimendi has an 89% pass accuracy, averaging 59 passes per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 7% of passers in the league. He is also solid defensively: 1.9 tackles, 62% aerial duels won, and 1.2 interceptions per game, all contributing to Arsenal’s perfect balance between attack and defense.

The Rice – Zubimendi duo: The foundation for the championship dream

The pair of Rice and Zubimendi are forming the most perfect midfield Arsenal has had in years. Zubimendi acts as the sturdy anchor, while Rice enjoys creative freedom to score and assist. Combined with Gyokeres’ explosive form upfront, Arsenal now have a tactical structure capable of bringing them back to the Premier League summit after over two decades of waiting.

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