Arsenal have a solid team. Mikel Arteta has transformed the club and turned them into title contenders. They came very close to win the Premier League in both of the past two seasons. Gunners have top quality players in every position. They are busy in making the squad even more strong and claim the title. Some of their stars are recognised widely. However, some stay underrated and are not talked much about. Arsenal last won Premier League in 2003/04 where they went invincible. The captain of that team Patrick Vieira spoke about one of the current Arsenal star. He talked about how important that player is for the squad.
Vieira remains the only captain to lead invincible team in Premier League. Arsenal have not been able to win another league title since that in 2004. Vieira is considered as an Arsenal and Premier League legend. He is the icon of world football having won everything in his life. Vieira is considered as one of the greatest midfielder English football has ever seen. He has won World Cup and Euro with the France national team. In addition, Vieira has played alongside some of the greatest players in the world. Players like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Alessandro Del Piero, Paulo Maldini and many more were his teammates at some point.
Patrick Vieira speaks about one Arsenal star in particular
Firstly, Vieira has very good football knowledge and sorts the players very well. In addition, he can know the quality of midfielder quickly as he spent his whole career as a midfielder. The Arsenal player in discussion here is none other than Declan Rice. Gunners paid the record fee to sign Rice last season. They paid £105 million to West Ham United. Rice came to Arsenal after winning UEFA Conference league. He was already considered a top quality midfielder. However, his performances under Arteta elevated him to the next level. Rice is now regular player for both England and Arsenal.
To begin with, Patrick Vieira said that he likes him because Rice is a team player. He said when you play in midfield, you should sacrifice yourself for the team. You have to win the ball and give it to players who can make the difference. Vieira added that it is a hard position as you work hard for the team. However, you may not get the creadit like the guys who score goals. Vieira said Rice will be important for Arsenal this year just like he was last year. Vieira thinks it is because Rice can do all the dirty work and make others look good. This will allow others to make a difference in the final 30 yards. To conclude, Vieira said that Rice is his favourite player.
Where will Rice play next season
Declan Rice played as number six in the starting of the last season just like Patrick Vieira. However, during the end of the last season Mikel Arteta used him as number eight. Rice was equally effective as number eight just as he was at number six. Rice earned his place in the Premier League team of the season. Gareth Southgate did exactly the same and used Rice as number eight throughout the Euro 2024. However, we may see Rive moving back to his original position in the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal are very close to sign Mikel Merino. Fabrizio Romano told on his youtube channel that Arsenal fans will not have to worry about the deal. Merino could be used as number eight on the left side just like Granit Xhaka. It may result in Rice claiming his place back as holding midfielder. However, Merino can play as a holding midfielder too. It will all come down to Mikel Arteta and his plans for the future. Arsenal are now focuses on their second match of the season. They will travel to Villa park to play against Aston Villa.
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