Mikel Arteta Calls Declan Rice a Lighthouse for Arsenal

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta called new player Declan Rice a beacon for the team to achieve the club’s target of winning the Premier League.

After completing high-priced transfers for Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners returned to recruit players who made a record purchase in the Premier League worth 105 million pounds (Rp. 2 trillion) for the West Ham captain, Saturday (15/7/2023).

Rice’s arrival was a major feat for Mikel Arteta’s side in the transfer window as they beat reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to sign the England international.

Rice’s arrival is expected to see Arsenal overthrow Pep Guardiola’s side next season and win their first league title since 2004.

“I see him as a beacon. He is willing to shine a light on others and improve others and make the team better and that is a great quality,” said Arteta.

“For me, to be a midfielder you have to have that and he gets it 100 per cent. The way he talks and presents himself, the ambition he has and the passion for the game. That’s what we need,” said the Spaniard.

Arteta added that with the leadership, aura and experience he already has in the league, Rice will take the team to another dimension.

Rice flew to the United States with his new teammates on Sunday and the next morning practiced exercise bikes courtside with the other players.

The 24-year-old laughed and joked with Eddie Nketiah in the scorching Washington DC sun and Arteta was impressed with the way he has adapted to the new setting.

“I think you all know his leadership, his personality, the experience he already has at 24 years of age,” added the boss the Gunners about Rice.

“It was very smooth (the transition to the group). He is already very close to some of the players, he obviously knows some of the players from the England national team as well. He looks very happy,” said Arteta.

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