I talk to a lot of people at Arsenal – they all say the same thing about Declan Rice
Declan Rice's character around the Arsenal dressing room has been lauded by a club icon(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has piled praise on Declan Rice for the manner in which he conducts himself on and off the field. The midfielder became a pillar of the team after joining from West Ham in a £105million deal three years ago.
Rice, 27, was one of Mikel Arteta's top performers as they pipped Manchester City to the Premier League crown last term. And the Gunners look to be justifying their tag as favourites to retain the title following two wins in as many games this season.
Arteta's engine-room architect has looked classy after starting in both wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa. However, it's his off-the-pitch character that Parlour has heard rave reviews about after speaking to multiple people working at the club.
"I talk to a lot of the staff at Arsenal, who are still there from when I was a player, and the one person they always talk to me about is Declan Rice," he told Seven, powered by Ladbrokes. "They say he was a breath of fresh air when he came into the club; his standards are right up there in training, and off the field he's great with everyone.
"And that's what you need; you need characters like that in the squad itself and people look up to him. He had an outstanding season last year and was one of the standout players.
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"I'm hoping he's had a good rest in the summer because he didn't look to be at his best in the World Cup for England. He looks like he's ready to go again though, which can only be a good thing for Arsenal."
Rice's impact around the park is evident considering he's been named Arsenal's Player of the Season in each of the past two campaigns. It's a running theme for the midfield technician, who clinched the same honour in three of his last four seasons at West Ham.
Rice has emerged as a leader figure under Mikel Arteta(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
He's also been named in the PFA Team of the Year three years running, along with back-to-back spots in the UEFA Team of the Year. That proves it's not only those within the walls of the Emirates Stadium who recognise his impact.
Anyone who has seen the box-to-box star in interviews or on social media will be well aware of his enchanting personality. However, Rice possesses that ability to flick the switch once he steps onto the field, where he reigns as one of the most effective midfielders on the planet.
Arteta himself has recognised Rice's boost to the morale of Arsenal's squad, as well as being one of the best in the world in his position.
"He’s in the leadership group, which is very important as well, and it’s a real presence," said the Arsenal boss last season. "Sometimes you don’t need to just wear the armband to feel really connected, really powerful and really important in the team."
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