Declan Rice steps up again to hit new level with Arsenal debate over | OneFootball

No doubting what the England star’s best position is after stylish Newcastle winner seals Champions League qualification

With Champions League football now secured, Arsenal can start actioning their plan for next season.

Arsenal’s trip to Southampton on Sunday could even be a dead-rubber, because the Gunners will wrap up second place in the Premier League on Tuesday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth.

To do that, Arsenal need reinforcements in attack. A new striker is the priority going into this summer’s transfer window, but the club would like to add a wide player, too.

The midfield is set to be bolstered by the arrival of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who has a release clause of around £50million in his contract.

Celebration: Rice’s winning goal against Newcastle ensured Arsenal will be at Europe’s top table again

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Whoever comes through the door, Sunday was a reminder of how vital Rice is to Arsenal’s future - especially in the No8 position he now plays.

It was in January of last year, following a mid-season training camp in Dubai, that Arteta moved Rice from the base of midfield to an advanced role.

The debate began after that as to what was Rice’s best position and it existed still in January of this year, when news of Arsenal working on a deal for Zubimendi first broke.

Since then, however, Rice has flourished and ended any talk about what his best position is in this Arsenal side. The midfielder has scored seven goals since January and his tally for the season stands at nine.

Rice has also weighed in with 10 assists, which makes this campaign his best-ever in terms of attacking output.

In fact, only Bukayo Saka has been directly involved in more of Arsenal’s goals this season and Rice’s finish to down Newcastle on Sunday was a thing of beauty.

Running onto the ball just outside the area, the 26-year-old did not break stride and found the bottom corner with a sumptuous first-time strike.

“I liked that finish a lot, whipping across the keeper and it was a special moment for me,” said Rice. “It’s about time I started scoring frequently.”

Rice is transformed from the player he was at West Ham and the one Arsenal signed two years ago for over £100m.

The midfielder has scored 16 goals for Arsenal in 102 games, which is more than he managed in his 245 matches for the Hammers.

The defensive side of Rice’s game, which is what attracted the Gunners to sign him, still remains and his relentless energy allows Arsenal to press high up the pitch.

But Rice is now becoming a complete midfielder by adding goals and assists, which has taken his game to another level.

“I watch football naturally, so I see the likes of [Frank] Lampard back in the day, how they used to move around in the box, get away from their opponents and score,” Rice said earlier this month.

“But obviously playing in this No8 role under Mikel is a bit different. I’m not always in the box, it’s a bit more of a box-to-box role - having to play in pockets a bit more, drop in deep, just depending on what the opposition do.

Rice is now becoming a complete midfielder by adding goals and assists, which has taken his game to another level

“But I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It’s a completely different role to what I’ve ever known. I think you’re starting to see the best in me and what I can do. I’m happy that I can showcase that.”

Even in a difficult season for Arsenal, Rice has shone and Sunday’s performance strengthens his chances of being voted as the club’s player of the season.

Rice was second last year in his debut campaign but he will be the favourite to win it this time, although David Raya, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly are contenders, too.

Raya, in particular, kept Arsenal in the game against Newcastle with a string of stunning saves in the first half.

Rice, however, has continually stepped up in big moments, especially towards the business end of this season.

It has, ultimately, not stopped Arsenal going without a trophy but, excitingly for fans, Arteta believes there is more to come from Rice.

“Especially in the last part of the season, he’s been exceptional,” Arteta said. “He’s winning matches, scoring goals, stats better than last season and still, [there is] immense room for improvement.”