Arsenal ace Declan Rice reveals that he looks up to Rodri and Aurelien Tchouameni
As relayed by Madrid Xtra on Twitter, Arsenal new boy Declan Rice has namedropped Manchester City star Rodri and Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni as the midfielders that he looks up to.
The Englishman became the Gunners’ most expensive signing ever when he moved from West Ham United earlier in the summer window. Since then, he has cemented himself a spot in Mikel Arteta’s roster and is today one of the top players in the North London side.
Just 24, Rice already boasts of a wealth of experience and has also taken up leadership roles while at West Ham United. In many ways, one can see him perhaps developing into the Gunners’ leader in the middle of the pitch and making a huge difference for them on the field for years to come.
🗣️ Declan Rice: “My role models? Obviously the main one from the Premier League is Rodri. Partey when I came to Arsenal, he was incredible. Tchouaméni from Real Madrid, he’s a youngster as well, very aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it, he’s good.” pic.twitter.com/woNi92JbT7
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 12, 2023
Speaking of his heroes, Rice named three compatriots, two of whom will be his rivals this season. While he also did name Thomas Partey as a player he looks up to, one could argue that Rice is ahead of the Arsenal veteran in the Gunners’ pecking order.
“My role models? Obviously the main one from the Premier League is Rodri. Partey when I came to Arsenal, he was incredible. Tchouaméni from Real Madrid, he’s a youngster as well, very aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it, he’s good.”
It makes perfect sense for the English star to mention Rodri given how transformative he has been for Pep Guardiola at The Etihad. Not only did he seamlessly help the side transition on from Fernandinho but also took the impact up a notch.
A key player in the middle of the park, Rodri has scored several key goals as well, more or less helping Manchester City over the line, especially in close title challenges and key matches. It does not come as a surprise that Rice too is keen to follow in those footsteps. With City once again the title favourites, Rice vs. Rodri should prove to be an enthralling contest when both teams meet.
Tchouameni might not have built himself a solid reputation at Madrid as Rodri did at City but remains a top player. In fact, he appeared to be settling in well in his second year and could push on alongside Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.
Rice is a fan of the Frenchman’s ability to progress the ball and has also gone on some good runs himself. Clearly, it is good news for the Gunners that their new man is seeking to emulate elite players and add a new dimension to their ranks.
