Mikel Arteta urged to make Arsenal change after being handed Declan Rice warning
Mikel Arteta has been urged to make a change in Arsenal's midfield to get the best out of Declan Rice.
Rice has starred for the Gunners in the early part of the season, but has endured a difficult couple of games, giving a penalty away in the defeat to former club West Ham before disappointing in the dismal loss against Fulham. The England international's form has mirrored that of Arteta's side, who have now won just one of their last five games, with their title challenge stalling as a result.
And Gunners icon Ray Parlour believes Arteta should look to make a change at the heart of his side, to bring the best out of Rice once again.
"When Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk, everyone said, 'Oh no, £75million for a centre-back, that's too much!' But if you can sign a player who brings you closer to winning titles, it's money well spent," Parlour told Tipsbladet. "I would much rather spend £100million on Declan Rice than bring in two players for £50million each.
"I hope he can contribute more going forward. I would like to see him score more goals. Arsenal has much more possession than West Ham.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"I hope he can help the midfield contribute more goals than last season. I think he should mix up his game a bit more and get a bit more forward. We all know how strong he is defensively.
"The partnership with either Thomas Partey or Jorginho could be developed even more, allowing Rice to truly elevate his game to become a box-to-box player, like my former teammate Patrick Vieira or someone like Roy Keane. Then he could also start scoring even more."
HAVE YOUR SAY! What should be Arsenal's line-up against Liverpool on Sunday? Comment below.
Mikel Arteta has been urged to make a change amid Declan Rice's struggles (Shaun Botterill)Parlour's tip comes after Arteta was warned that Rice has been "coasting" in his recent appearances. Veteran broadcaster Richard Keys believes he will improve, but that his talents are currently being wasted.
"He’s got everything required to be a top footballer. He should be getting hold of games the way Vieira used to. He’s got the lot - height and energy. He can see a proper pass. And he’s got the muscle to get into people and break attacks down," Keys wrote on his blog.
"But he doesn’t do anything at the moment except trickle balls sideways and backwards. It’s a travesty. I know why he does it. Because he plays in a ‘nice’ team for a ‘nice’ manager, who played ‘nice’ football himself. And ‘nice’ can be very easy on the eye.
"He’s coasting right now. Whether that’s because mini-me only wants that I don’t know, but it seems an awful waste of a top player and £110m - a guy that got his move to Arsenal because of the way he played at West Ham.
"Driving them to a European trophy last season and helping turn them into a real presence in the PL. Come on Dec - your country will need you next summer and Arsenal do right now."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
