In Focus: Rice is right for Arsenal as Arteta looks to rival City

Declan Rice has completed his big-money move to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old excelled for West Ham last season and his impressive performances for England at the 2022 World Cup only added to his value.

Inevitably, Rice's eye-catching form resulted in interest from a host of top clubs, with Manchester City bidding for his services.

But after the Gunners finally landed one of the most sought-after midfielders in the country, we take a look at what he will bring to Mikel Arteta's side.

A real leader

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has talked up his new team-mate, revealing how impressed he was with Rice after training with him on England duty.

European Under-21 Championship winner Smith Rowe said: "I can’t speak highly enough of [Rice]. I remember my first [England] camp and I was surprised with how good he actually was.

"He was the best in training. Just his level, intensity. Technically, everything he was doing. A real leader and still so young. He was really, really good."

Reading the game

Rice is among the most effective holding midfielders in the Premier League.

No player made more interceptions (63) than the Three Lions international in the English top flight last season.

He also ranked second for possessions won in the middle third of the pitch, with his total of 173 putting him behind only City star Rodri in the competition.

By comparison, Arsenal enforcer Thomas Partey recorded 129.

Midfield metronome

But Rice is not just an exceptional defensive-minded midfielder out of possession.

The former Hammers hero is equally competent with the ball, boasting a passing accuracy of over 88% last season.

Unsurprisingly, Rice played a great number of long passes per 90 minutes (6.13) than Partey (5.76) in David Moyes' more direct Irons side.

Given his technical qualities, he should have no trouble adjusting to an Arsenal team that averaged 59.3% possession compared to the Hammers' 42.1%.

Tactical options

Amid rumours of a potential exit for Partey, Rice is likely to occupy the holding role in Arteta's midfield three.

Yet following Granit Xhaka's departure to Bayer Leverkusen, there could be scope for deploying the Londoner in a more advanced position.

West Ham's No41 enjoyed his best goalscoring season in the Premier League in 2022-23, netting four times.

It is clearly not Rice's most natural role but versatility is a trait Arteta prizes and will no doubt have played a part in the Spaniard's desire to recruit the midfielder.

Deserved success

Rice's personal and leadership qualities are just as appealing as his tactical and technical ones — and former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has been particularly impressed.

Wilshere, 31, said: "People forget how young [Rice] is.

"He has been sort of carrying West Ham for the last two seasons. [Mark] Noble stepped down as captain last season, he took over, won a trophy.

"And the best thing about him is he is such a good person, such a good kid. He deserves everything he gets."

Rice will be hoping to get his hands on even more silverware now his move to the Emirates is complete.