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Pundit heaps praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice

By on January 14, 2026

Declan Rice Bukayo Saka Arsenal

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has heaped praise on Declan Rice following his impact since joining from West Ham United in 2023.

Mikel Arteta became the Gunners’ boss back in 2019 during a challenging moment, but he has now guided the Emirates club to a title challenger.

The North London club haven’t won the Premier League title since 2004, and they came close to overcoming the title drought in the last three consecutive campaigns. Eventually, they finished second on every occasion.

Last summer, Arsenal splashed big money to hand Arteta the necessary tools to win the Premier League this season. Now, they are at the top of the table with 49 points from 21 matches.

Moreover, they are at the top of the Champions League table, winning all six matches. They have even reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and are still in the FA Cup. Meaning, Arteta’s side are on course to challenge on all fronts.

Meanwhile, during a recent interview (via Metro), Pires says that Arsenal need to have players like Patrick Viera, Thierry Henry, and Tony Adams to win the Premier League title, and Rice is a player like that. Therefore, the Englishman would be the key piece for Arteta to win the league this season.

Pires said:

“If you want to lift the trophy at the end of the season you need a player like Declan Rice. You need a Patrick Vieira, a Thierry Henry, a Tony Adams… and Declan Rice is in the same circle, yes.”

Pundit lauds Rice

When Arsenal decided to sign Rice by breaking the club’s transfer record, questions were raised about whether he possesses the necessary qualities to flourish at the highest level.

However, he has proven his doubters wrong and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the English top flight. Moreover, he has secured his place in the England national team’s starting line-up.

After making 19 goal contributions across all competitions last campaign, he has made nine goal contributions in all tournaments thus far this season.

It is going to be interesting to see whether the 26-year-old can eventually manage to guide Arsenal to win the Premier League or the Champions League this season.