The evolution of Rice – how midfielder became Arsenal’s all-rounder

Declan Rice is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top central midfielders, but his current role for the Gunners is completely different from the one he once held when he first joined the club.

Before moving to a box-to-box role following a winter training camp in January 2024, Rice spent the first six months of his career as a more traditional holding midfielder when he signed for Arsenal from West Ham for £100 million in 2023.

His attacking numbers increased as a result of his taking set-pieces, which he carried with him into last season, when the 26-year-old recorded his career-best campaign for goal contributions with nine goals and 10 assists.

As they look to improve and win the title, Arsenal, who finished second for the past three seasons, have signed Spain international Martin Zubimendi for £60 million this summer.

One of Europe’s best deep-lying midfielders, Zubimendi, has allowed Rice to continue his transition to a fully fledged box-to-box midfielder, but in a slightly different way.

Rice has actually taken up a deeper role alongside him thanks to the Spaniard’s presence, but with a way that allows the Englishman to use his running prowess to join Arsenal attacks.

He has the most total ball carries this season for Arsenal, with 147 passes being played into the box (57), and chances being created (level with Bukayo Saka at 13).

This season, Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday (20:00 BST). The club has changed its play to be more direct and play through defensive lines quicker, which has resulted in Rice moving more slowly alongside Zubimendi when starting attacks.

A top-level football recruitment specialist explained to BBC Sport how Rice’s game has been enhanced by Zubimendi’s signing.

He claimed that because of Ziubimendi’s arrival, his ability to be an all-rounder has increased. “It hasn’t changed what he can do.

He has already shown promise in the holding and attacking phases, according to his coach.

His first touch is always forward when he receives it, according to his ability to take the ball on the half-turn.

He hasn’t been irritated by his attacking propensity. You can tell from his very strong grasp that it is something he has always had.

In his 11 games this season for Arsenal, Rice has already contributed three assists and one goal.

Rice scored the opener for Arsenal against West Ham when he arrived late into the box to meet a bouncing ball and finish well.

The hiring manager believes Rice, despite his reputation for his running prowess, does not receive the praise he deserves.

He said, “Many people don’t really give him the credit he deserves for his athleticism. He moves well and is very athletic.

He is a great player and performs with the freedom he has been given, has great control over his holding, and is extremely talented at holding.

A good player with good passing, but also capable of being savage and causing a breakup. He plays midfield well and is dominant.

Rice’s evolution benefits both the national team and the organization.

Elliot Anderson will play the number six position to maximize the Arsenal midfielder’s running power, according to England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has also promoted Rice to a more forward position.

It’s a hot topic, I thought! Rice responded to a BBC Sport inquiry regarding his position following the 3-0 win over Wales at Wembley.

“It’s not bothering me,” I said. I believe I’ve reached my current level more like a box-to-box number eight.

The manager [Arteta] has slightly altered my position at Arsenal this year to give me more room to drop deeper and play inside whenever I can, and it’s the same with Thomas Tuchel.

Being able to get back really appeals to me on the left side of midfield. What I want to be is an all-around midfielder.

Tuchel and Arteta were both praised by Rice for empowering him to play in a more advanced role.

He said, “I think I ended the season really strong because you have unstoppable confidence in football.”

“I probably didn’t get as good as I wanted in my first or two games this year, but I’ve since picked up my form.”

The changes in Arsenal and Rice’s play have also been noticed by an analyst for a rival Premier League team.

With Rice playing the left number eight, he said, “It seems like they’re more of a 4-2-3-1 in their build-up than they were last year.

“I think his role is a little more hybrid, where he starts off more in the build-ups and then joins in the attacks from a higher position [box-to-box].”

The opposition’s defensive line is often overloaded, so against teams with a back four, they will need five players on their attacking line.

When Arsenal moved Leandro Trossard into a space off the left wing and pushed Riccardo Calafiori higher against Manchester City, an example of this happened.

“They’ve kept Rice further along with Zubimendi and played in 3-3-2-5 possession,” Rice said.

With just three goals conceded, eight clean sheets, and just one loss in their first eleven games, Arsenal have had a successful season. After eight games, they are three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.