Declan Rice names current Premier League star as his midfield role model

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In a recent interview with Channel 4, Rice heaped praise on Rodri, acknowledging his incredible talents and the vital role he plays in Manchester City’s midfield. “Obviously the main one in the Premier League is Rodri; he’s incredible,” Rice stated. “What a player he is, the way he works, the way he keeps that Man City team ticking, you know he’s a top player.”

Rodri’s ability to orchestrate play from deep midfield has earned him accolades and admiration from fellow professionals like Rice.

His precise passing, tactical intelligence, and positional awareness make him a formidable presence in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield.

Declan Rice didn’t limit his admiration to just one player, however. He also expressed his respect for Thomas Partey, his Arsenal teammate, and Aurelien Tchouameni, the young talent from Real Madrid.

Regarding Partey, Rice said, “Partey, when I came to Arsenal, was incredible and has been up until his injury.” He praised Tchouameni for his aggressiveness, ability to progress with the ball, and overall quality.

But it’s not only his teammates who have left an impression on Rice since his move to Arsenal. He revealed that Jorginho though not a regular starter has made a significant impact on him during training sessions.

“The one who has surprised me so much, not surprised me because I knew he was such a good player anyway, but playing with him every day in training, seeing how he is because he’s not the biggest, is Jorginho,” Rice said.

He highlighted Jorginho’s footballing brain, positioning, passing ability, and knack for creating time for himself.

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For the 24-year-old Declan Rice, learning is an ongoing journey. He emphasized his eagerness to glean knowledge from a diverse range of players and sources, recognizing that there are still aspects of his game to refine to reach the pinnacle of his profession. “I’m trying to learn from everyone, to be honest. I’m only 24; I’ve got all the abilities myself, but there are still things to add to get to the top, and that’s what I want to do,” Rice affirmed.

One significant aspect of Rice’s development has been his adaptability to Arsenal’s style of play, particularly in terms of building from the back. He noted that this approach, which wasn’t as prominent during his time at West Ham, has pushed him out of his comfort zone. Still, he relishes the challenge and recognizes the boost in confidence that comes with it.

Declan Rice’s admiration for the likes of Rodri, Partey, Tchouameni, and Jorginho is a testament to his commitment to constant improvement. As he continues to evolve as a player and learn from the best in the business, the Premier League can expect to witness even more exceptional performances from this talented midfielder.