Declan Rice has expressed admiration for Mikel Arteta’s influence on his football acumen following his high-profile move from West Ham United to Arsenal for a club-record fee.
During Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies, Rice had the opportunity to experience Arteta’s coaching first-hand, and the Spanish tactician’s technical approach has already left a lasting impression on the young midfielder.
This exposure has led Rice to realize that there is much more to learn and adapt to in football than he previously thought.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Rice shared his thoughts, stating, “It’s crazy. I’m already seeing football in a completely different way. You think you know football growing up and when you play, but when you meet managers like Mikel, you realize you don’t really know anything. Of course, the way I played at West Ham is completely different from the way Mikel plays, so it’s going to take some time to adapt. I’m really eager to learn, to improve, to ask questions.”
The midfielder’s ambition is evident as he looks forward to embracing Arteta’s playing style fully. He expressed his desire to go up several levels in his game and be an integral part of Arsenal’s success.
Arteta’s background as a former player, notably from his time at Barcelona and Arsenal, has provided him with a unique perspective that he brings to his coaching. His emphasis on technical ability and a different approach to the game has had a profound impact on Rice’s footballing mindset.
With unwavering determination, Rice aims to continue honing his skills and adapting to Arteta’s coaching style throughout the season. As the campaign progresses, Rice’s growth under Arteta’s guidance is expected to contribute significantly to Arsenal’s performance on the field.
