Puzzle Piece: Declan Rice

Arsenal's record signing Declan Rice evolved significantly during his second season (2024/25), moving beyond his initial role as a defensive anchor. His fascinating campaign was defined by a tactical shift from the lone holding midfielder (the 6) to a more advanced, box-to-box presence (the 8). This evolution redefined Arsenal's approach in big matches and added a new dimension to Mikel Arteta's system.

Rice played 52 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing ten assists. While these numbers are solid, they only tell part of the story. His true impact came from his ability to influence games in all phases – breaking up counterattacks defensively and charging forward into the final third offensively – making him one of Arsenal's most complete and consistent performers.

Initially starting the season in his familiar deep-lying midfield role in a 4-3-3, Rice's position changed as Thomas Partey regained fitness and Jorginho provided control. By December, Arteta regularly deployed Rice higher up as a left-sided number 8. This granted him license to press aggressively higher up the pitch, win possession in advanced areas, and make late runs into the penalty box, maximizing his athleticism and ball-carrying ability.

In crucial matches against top rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool, Rice often emerged as the most dominant midfielder on the field. His stamina remained relentless, his positional awareness sharpened, and his leadership grew significantly, both on and off the ball, whether Arsenal needed a goal or were protecting a lead.

Tactically, Rice's flexibility was a major asset. As a 6, he focused on screening the defense, recovering loose balls, and playing short passes under pressure. As an 8, his influence shifted higher up the pitch: he pressed more aggressively, won duels in advanced positions, and became a genuine goal threat around the box.

This advanced role proved particularly effective against teams employing a low defensive block. With Jorginho or Partey dictating play from deep, Rice had the freedom to attack the half-spaces and support the attack without leaving Arsenal exposed to counter-attacks, exemplified by his goal against Chelsea.

Rice also demonstrated improvement technically. His passing became sharper and more progressive. While not a natural technician in tight spaces, he showed increased confidence turning under pressure and threading passes through defensive lines. His presence as a secondary ball-winner higher up the field also allowed creative players like Ødegaard and Saka more freedom in possession-dominant games.

Looking forward, Rice's role could continue evolving depending on Arsenal's summer signings. Links to deep-lying playmakers suggest Arteta might plan to use Rice permanently as an 8, aiming for a more balanced and technically controlled midfield, especially in games where Arsenal dominate possession.

Critically, his ability to seamlessly drop back into the 6 role when needed remains a significant tactical advantage, allowing Arteta to alter the midfield structure mid-game without substitutions. This versatility is becoming core to Arsenal's functionality at the highest level.

Rice's leadership is now firmly established alongside captain Ødegaard. His high standards in training, vocal communication on the pitch, and ability to elevate teammates are vital qualities for a team chasing elite success.

Overall, Rice's season represented tactical evolution, proving he can dominate games from both deep and advanced positions while growing in intelligence. As Arsenal push for major trophies, Rice stands ready to lead from whatever position Arteta requires. He has become the foundational midfielder Arsenal lacked, and with his physical peak approaching, he remains central to the club's future ambitions.