Declan Rice has been one of Arsenal's standout performers this season, helping the team to the top of the Premier League. The 27-year-old midfielder was player of the match in the victory over Liverpool and leads the league with five assists, all from open play, after a role change by manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta revealed he had a conversation with Rice at the start of the season, telling him he was no longer the team's "lighthouse" and expected more. Rice said the chat motivated him to attack more, creating chances and assists while still linking play. He has scored and assisted 55 goals since joining Arsenal in 2023.
After a heavy schedule last season, including 55 games for Arsenal and a World Cup semi-final run with England, Rice has been managed more carefully this term. The signing of Bruno Guimaraes has allowed rotation, and Rice was rested in the EFL Cup and by England during the last international break.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described Rice as "world class" and the best midfielder in the Premier League "by a long way". Kai Havertz credited Rice for 90% of his winning goal against Liverpool. Arsenal's midfield rotation, featuring Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly, has made them difficult to defend against.
Rice has started all Premier League and Champions League matches this season. Contract talks are ongoing, with Arteta stating Rice wants to stay long term and a resolution is a matter of time.
