Declan Rice's influence at Arsenal has grown to the point where he is regularly compared to English midfield greats such as Bryan Robson, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham. Teammates call him "The Horse" for his relentless engine, and manager Mikel Arteta rarely rests him. Rice now leads the Premier League in progressive passes with 124, averaging 14.6 per 90 minutes — about 6% more than any other player — despite playing half a match less than joint-leader Jan Paul van Hecke. He also tops the team for touches per 90 (87.5), 13% ahead of Martin Ødegaard, and leads in passes attempted, completed and received.
From Ball-Winner to Playmaker
In his first three seasons at Arsenal, Rice averaged only 8.5 progressive passes per 90, a modest figure for a £105 million signing. This season he has transformed that aspect of his game. "Being behind the ball as well, linking the play, being involved with all aspects for me is my best position," Rice said after the 1-0 win at Liverpool. Arteta praised his "desperation to improve every part of his game" and highlighted work on becoming more unpredictable.
Tactical Shift and Creative Output
Rice's deeper involvement has allowed Ødegaard to operate higher up the pitch; the Norwegian's touches in the defensive half have dropped while his final-third involvement has risen. Rice has five Premier League assists from open play, including a backheel for Bruno Guimarães against Leeds and a crossing assist for Kai Havertz at Liverpool. His expected assists stand at 0.24 per 90, comparable to Ødegaard, Morgan Gibbs-White and Enzo Fernández, despite fewer attacking-third touches.
Arteta on Versatility and Ballon d'Or Prospects
"He can drop back, he can progress play. He can carry the ball. He can be incredible in transition. He can win duels. He can produce passes by arriving, by playing far, by crossing the ball left or right," Arteta said, adding that Rice's long-range shooting remains an underused weapon. Comparisons to Rodri's Ballon d'Or-winning season show Rice trails in defensive metrics and progressive passing (about 10% less per 90), but projected numbers — three goals and 11 assists over a full season — suggest he is closing the gap.
Fitness Management and the Best-Player Debate
After 4,456 club minutes last season and a full World Cup, Rice's workload is being carefully managed; he was rested for two Carabao Cup games and missed the first international window. Arteta insisted the club is "looking after him more than any other season." While Erling Haaland's goal output makes him the favourite for best player in the Premier League, Rice's trajectory — turning a perceived weakness into a strength — indicates he could challenge for that title in the future.
