“Alot of our fans will talk about Jorginho and Havertz, but that’s unfair. This guy is the most surprising player to me since I joined Arsenal”- Arsenal star Declan Rice admits he’s been really surprised by his Arsenal’s courageous teammate since making his £105M move- Not Saka, Not Saliba and not Martinelli

Declan Rice admits he’s been ‘really surprised’ by Arsenal teammate since £105m move

Last summer marked a significant milestone for Arsenal as they secured the services of Rice in a monumental £105 million deal from West Ham. Since his arrival, Rice has seamlessly integrated into Arsenal’s midfield, showcasing his prowess on the pitch. However, the England international humbly acknowledges that his adaptation to his new surroundings has been facilitated by the stellar performances of Arsenal’s premier centre-back duo, William Saliba and Gabriel.

In a recent interview ahead of Arsenal’s dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle, Rice expressed his admiration for Saliba and Gabriel, highlighting their contributions to the team. With genuine admiration in his voice, Rice commended Saliba’s remarkable abilities, having heard rave reviews about him prior to joining Arsenal. Yet, it was Gabriel who pleasantly surprised Rice the most with his ferocious aggression and unwavering mentality on the field. He described Gabriel as a player who epitomizes strength and tenacity, always hungry for success and never backing down from a challenge. For Rice, having such formidable center-backs like Saliba and Gabriel instills confidence and elevates the team’s performance to new heights.

Moreover, Rice embraced the pressure of competing in the intense Premier League title race with Arsenal. Far from being intimidated, he thrives on the exhilaration of the challenge, relishing every moment of the high-stakes competition. Rice emphasized the joy of striving to emerge victorious in crucial matches, recognizing that these experiences will be cherished long after his playing days are over. Indeed, he views participation in title races as invaluable opportunities for personal growth and reflection, enriching his journey in the world of football.