Arsenal take on Chelsea in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, and Mikel Arteta has been speaking ahead of the game about Declan Rice
Mikel Arteta insists Declan Rice can reach even greater heights despite the midfielder's outstanding form since his £105million move to Arsenal. The Gunners face Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, aiming to open up a nine-point gap over their London rivals in the title race.
Following victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich, Arsenal have been hailed as Europe's finest by many observers, topping both the Premier League and Champions League standings.
"Those are statements we are talking about every three days," Arteta said when asked about the message another big win this week would send. "So after beating Spurs at home, then we had to make the statement again, Bayern Munich. We've done that, and now we have to go to the next one."
"That's where we are; we know the importance of the week. Not only that, but what is coming after three days will be exactly the same. Nothing is going to change, but we are super motivated for the game."
Rice delivered crucial displays in both matches and earned the Player of the Match accolade against the German giants.
Chelsea have watched with regret. They released the England star at youth level in 2013 and pursued him extensively during his time at West Ham, only for Arsenal to secure his signature.
The Arsenal boss believes that despite Rice performing at a level where some are even mentioning him in Ballon d'Or conversations, there's still room for improvement. "Being with him every single day, understanding and connecting with him in the way I have done... We are going to get more," Arteta said.
"Because he wants more, the team knows him better, his role is growing around the team. The impact he has on the team, it's huge."
Despite only netting twice in 19 matches this season, Arteta believes there's more to come from the 26-year-old.
"That will vary related to the position and the spaces he occupies, but there will be other areas he will evolve," Arteta commented when asked if goal-scoring was the area of development in his thoughts.
Arteta feels that Rice, who was widely admired before his big-money move, has surpassed even his ambitious expectations since signing. "I don't think you have to be a genius, you know?" he said.
"I knew him for a long time, and I knew how he could evolve and change the team. He has certainly done it, and probably improved on those expectations."
Adding: "If you have the option to see a player live and sense him, and get that energy, presence and charisma, on top of his qualities, it's something else.
"Probably when he was around, I said, 'Hmm, that's a special player.'".