Thanks to the brilliant business Arsenal conducted last summer, they now boast arguably the most complete team in the league.
In almost every position, Mikel Arteta has two capable options to call upon. This depth has allowed him to cope with injuries to key players like Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.
And while most of those players are now closing in on a return, Arteta has been warned that there is one man he must protect at all costs.
Rice Irreplaceable
Reflecting on Arsenal’s squad depth in his podcast, Gary Neville boldly claimed that while almost every Gunner is replaceable, Declan Rice is not. Echoing Allan Smith’s admission relayed by JA, he said, “The only player you would be worried about losing for a period of time would be Declan Rice because you cannot replace that.
“That is your Roy Keane, that is your Rodri, the player that holds you together. There is only one of them.
“They have got options if he was not there, but you would never be able to replace the ability of him to be powerful on set pieces, his running, his tackling, his impact on the game going forward.”
It is difficult to argue with Neville’s assessment.
The Complete Midfielder
Rice has been a revelation at the Emirates, with Jack Wilshere even labelling him the most complete midfielder in the league.
Complete in every aspect of the game, attacking, scoring, creativity, defending, passing and ground coverage, Arsenal have shown precisely how to spend £105 million wisely.
When fit, it is almost unthinkable to leave a player of his calibre on the bench. He is the kind of footballer fans tune in to watch.
The challenge for Arteta is how to shield Rice from injury, given that he is so clearly the first name on the team sheet.
One can only hope fortune favours Arsenal, that Rice avoids any major setback, and that he continues to drive them towards league glory.
Daniel O
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Arsenal have never signed a player that was so impactful on the team like Rice since we signed sanches
Merino replaced him against Leeds United and we scored six. What is he talking about?
Sorry, if it’s this season arsenal hasn’t scored more than five goals in a single match, i think against leeds utd arsenal scored five goal. leaving alone that one the truth is that Rice, yes he can be replaced but definitely he has no a replacement that work harder than him in the squad of arsenal can goals without him that is what can happen at any time and many teams can make it without some of their key players.
His technique on set pieces is unmatched. He has been surreal so far. Yes we do have options if he doesn’t play albeit a different kind on option. No one can offer what he does for the team
Arteta is G.O.A.T,he promised us unpredictable game plan and style this season,let’s see what more he can do.
Greatest of all time !
😂😂😂😂 good one .
Ken,
Have you been at the sauce. G.O.A.T. He’s good, but nowhere near being called the G.O.A.T. 🤦♂️
We take him for granted a bit, he is always an 8 out of 10 and we are used to that normal. He like Gabriel is irreplaceable but we can bring someone in who brings a different dynamic but not Rice like. He has an engine and a half. He covers for Zubimendi a lot as well as getting into the box. He tackles and starts things off. He is a big game player which is important. Class!!!!!!
I think Roy Keane and Scholes can be a little comparable to our central midfield duo. Rice, the midfield warrior playing next to a deep-lying playmaker in Zubimendi