Declan Rice's freedom, from and for Arsenal

Declan Rice's freedom of role has made him a more complete player. This evolution also benefits Arsenal.

AP PHOTO/FRANK AUGSTEIN

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after scoring a goal against Bournemouth in a Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, London, on Saturday (4/5/2024). Arsenal won 3-0.

LONDON, SATURDAY — Declan Rice has repeatedly said that the reason for moving to Arsenal was to take the game to the next level. The decision was right. Under Manager Mikel Arteta, Rice slowly evolved into a crucial figure on the offensive side, something that had never occurred to a defensive type player.

Goals and assists are increasingly attached to Rice. The England national team player contributed one goal and one assist when Arsenal won over visiting team Bournemouth, 3-0, at the Emirates Stadium, Saturday (4/5/2024) evening WIB. Both started from movements without the ball from Rice to enter the penalty box.

"I know there is an opportunity to score and assist. I can feel it. I like giving assists, it feels enjoyable. This is the result we need. We are aware that there are matters that need to be resolved today and we have succeeded in overcoming them," said Rice, who has collected 7 goals and 8 assists this season.

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Rice has produced 4 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League throughout 2024. Interestingly, no player has exceeded that number of assists in 2024. Only Manchester City's creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne can match him. (8). Rice, a player known as an anchor midfielder, matches the productivity of the assist machine.

In various interviews, including the last one with The Athletic at the end of April, Rice has always been adamant. He said his best position was as a defensive midfielder or “number 6”. This position has been played since the player was still at West Ham United's academy. He has always been synonymous with a defensive role.

However, Arteta knows his players better. Rice has often been played as a box to box midfielder or “number 8” this year. He was given the freedom to advance to assist the attack. The manager seemed to emphasize that he did not buy the player for 105 million euros just to survive. "He said I had the ability to score goals and assists and make a difference," said Rice.

AFP/JUSTIN TALLIS

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice (center) scored a goal against Bournemouth in the Premier League match, Saturday (4/5/2024).

Interestingly, after not contributing any goals or assists since late March, Rice shone again in the last three games. He contributed a total of 1 goal and 3 assists, including recording an assist in two London derby matches, against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal has never lost when Rice contributes a goal or assist.

There is a big factor behind Rice's series of contributions on the offensive side. When looked deeper, there is the figure of Thomas Partey who replaced his role as a defensive midfielder. Partey also recently got the chance to start in three consecutive matches. As a result, like against Bournemouth, Rice is given more freedom.

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Rice often makes off-the-ball movements towards the penalty box, especially in counter-attack situations. In Arsenal's second goal scored by Leandro Trossard, he was in the position that should have been occupied by center forward Kai Havertz. Rice received the ball, then passed it to Trossard, who was waiting on the left side.

Likewise with Arsenal's third goal in injury time. Wing striker Gabriel Jesus is on the right side of the penalty box, waiting for help from other players. Suddenly, Rice came from the middle of the field into the middle area of ​​the penalty box. That moment resulted in Rice's hard kick which goalkeeper Mark Travers was unable to anticipate.

As for the match against Bournemouth, Rice contributed three key passes for his teammates. That even surpasses creative midfielder Martin Odegaard's (1) role as the brain behind "The Gunners" attack. With that contribution, Rice was awarded the best player in the victory against Bournemouth.

There is a stark contrast when Partey is on the field. In fact, Rice is given a similar task when Jorginho is played. However, Partey is a much better defensive player than Jorginho. Therefore, Rice does not need to worry about the defense when controlling the ball. He is free to move forward.

AP PHOTO/DAVE THOMPSON

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey (right) after the match against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, March 31, 2024. Partey's presence frees up Declan Rice in Arsenal's midfield.

The match against Bournemouth showcases Rice's potential for the future. If supported by midfielders like Partey, his offensive qualities could add significant value to Arsenal. Rice is capable of filling the gap left by midfielder Granit Xhaka, who joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

"He (Rice) keeps improving. He is currently a complete player for Arsenal. It takes at least 20 years for us to be able to feel an atmosphere like this again, a unity between supporters and players. I think Declan brings that to life. He seems to be having fun here," former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said to BBC Sport.

Together with Rice's impressive performance, Arsenal was able to dominate the visiting team, especially in the first half. "The Gunners" managed to produce 16 shots before halftime, while Bournemouth only had one shot. However, they were only able to score one goal through a penalty kick by Bukayo Saka.

With that result, Arsenal solidifies its position at the top of the standings with 83 points from 36 matches. Despite still leading the title race, they still have to hope for Manchester City to slip up in order to become champions. If both teams win all remaining matches, City will come out as champions with a two-point advantage. (AP/REUTERS)