Arteta Sees More to Come from 'Special' Declan Rice

Arsenal Manager praises midfielder's growth and leadership

Mikel Arteta believes Declan Rice has more to offer Arsenal, praising his growth and leadership. Rice, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo to clash in midfield as Arsenal face Chelsea.

“I knew him for a long time (before signing him), and I knew how he could evolve and change the team...”

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, believes Declan Rice has more to offer, saying he's a “special” player who's still growing into his role. Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal's success, and Arteta thinks he's yet to reach his full potential.

The England international will face off against Chelsea's midfield duo, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who've been among the Premier League's top performers this season. The trio's combined transfer value exceeds £300 million, making for a thrilling matchup.

Capitalising on the opportunity 👊

Throwback to Dec's clinical strike at Chelsea in 2023 ⏪ pic.twitter.com/EllTfBlV17

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 29, 2025

Arsenal, currently six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, will be looking to maintain their lead when they visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Arteta praised Rice's development, saying he's become increasingly influential as he understands the team better.

Declan Rice recently voted Moises Caicedo into his 2024/25 team of the year, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is backing his player to keep pushing himself.

“Now, being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him in the way I have done, we are going to get more” from Rice, the Gunners boss said on Friday.

“Because he wants more, the team knows him better; his role is growing around the team. The impact he has on the team is huge.”

Declan Rice's game has evolved under Mikel Arteta, who shifted him to a more advanced midfield role, showcasing his versatility. Rice has thrived in this new position, and Arteta's tactics have played a big part in his growth.

“I knew him for a long time (before signing him), and I knew how he could evolve and change the team,” said Arteta.

“He has certainly done it and probably improved on those expectations.”

Mikel Arteta's counting on Declan Rice's leadership to help Arsenal end their Premier League title drought, which dates back to the 2003/04 season. Arteta's high praise for Rice's growth and influence on the team reflects his importance to their title ambitions.

Make it count. pic.twitter.com/MGDkmcXsog

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 29, 2025

“Obviously, he was captain at West Ham,” said Arteta. “He comes here to a new club, a new environment, and there were things already set, but he has earned the right to increase that role.

“To be more important, to be very present in everything we do, he's in the leadership group, which is very important.

“He's a real presence. He doesn't need to wear the armband to feel really connected, really powerful and really important in the team.”