Mikel Arteta names Arsenal star who made him ‘mad’ last season

Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice, acknowledging that he regretted not signing the England international after being impressed by his performance against Arsenal last season. Arsenal spent £105m to acquire Rice from West Ham in the summer, and the upcoming top-flight match against his former club will provide a notable encounter.

Ahead of the clash, Hammers manager David Moyes commended Rice, and Arteta echoed similar sentiments about the 24-year-old.

Managing the weight of the hefty price tag with grace, Arteta stated, “When they put the price-tag, you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way.” Arteta further highlighted Rice’s humility, eagerness to learn, and receptiveness to constructive criticism as powerful qualities.

While expressing admiration for Rice’s on-field presence and unique attributes, Arteta revealed his regret for not signing him earlier, stating, “I felt it when I played against him, that’s why I was mad to sign him. You get a feeling about players, and I wanted him to be part of our team.”

Arteta sees potential for Rice to further develop, emphasizing his versatility by excelling in a deeper role in recent weeks. He noted that as a number eight, Rice could be an incredible player, and his ability to play as a center-back adds valuable flexibility to the team. Additionally, Arteta highlighted Rice’s goal-scoring prowess and sees room for further improvement in that aspect.

Recognizing Rice’s leadership skills, Arteta envisions natural growth for the player within the team and the club in the coming years, indicating that there is much more to come from the talented midfielder.