Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice's progress this season, saying the 27-year-old midfielder has reached a new level thanks to his desire to keep improving.
Rice has made 14 appearances in all competitions, registering five assists in the Premier League and scoring once in the Champions League. He leads the Premier League for assists, and his fine form has also earned him another England call-up.
Arteta said his coaching staff have been working specifically on making Rice's game more varied.
“He has the desire to go out on the pitch and win, to take his game to another level, create more threats and become less predictable. We work very hard on that.
“He desperately wants to improve every aspect of his game. At the same time, we need to preserve all the incredible things he has already achieved. But he is moving in the right direction.”
The Arsenal manager also highlighted the England international's versatility, saying he can operate effectively in almost any area of the pitch.
“I don't think we should limit his qualities and capabilities. He can drop deeper and build attacks. He can drop back, carry the ball forward and excel in the transition from defence to attack. He can win duels.
“He can play passes when joining attacks, hit long balls and cross from either flank. It doesn't matter. He can also offer a lot at set pieces.
“We also need to make more use of his ability to shoot from distance. He has that ability. So we need to keep working and playing, because he still has room to improve.”
Amid reports of a possible contract extension for Rice, Arteta said he was not yet making long-term plans for the midfielder's role.
“We haven't looked that far ahead yet. Obviously, we still have a lot to do. I think one season is enough for planning. There are other aspects of his role in the team and at the club that can be considered over a longer period. But when it comes to his game and his influence on the team, I think we need to focus on the immediate tasks.”
Arteta also commented on Noni Madueke's absence from the latest England squad. The Spaniard did not criticise Thomas Tuchel's decision, highlighting his player's professional attitude.
“I leave that to Thomas. He had a lot of options, he has to make decisions and this time he made that choice. I trust him completely on that.
“And what did Noni do? He went abroad and trained. That's Noni, that's his mindset. He wants to get better.”
Four other Arsenal players have been called up to the England squad alongside Rice: Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Eberechi Eze.
After the international break, Arsenal will continue their pursuit of trophies, and Arteta is hoping his players return to the club without injuries.
