Declan Rice is currently the most versatile midfielder in the Premier League.

03/11/2025 09:56:00 PANDATV

If you have to choose the most complete and influential player in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, Declan Rice should be the first name mentioned.

In Mikel Arteta’s formation, Rice serves as the link between defense and attack, acting as a steel wall and an energy machine that helps Arsenal sustain high pressing intensity throughout the 90 minutes.

Number one in set-piece situations

Many players have faltered under the pressure of a "big-money" transfer, but Rice has gone the other way. He keeps improving, becoming more confident and effective. The recent 3-0 win over Burnley once again demonstrated his influence. Rice scored, indirectly assisted from a set piece, and commanded the entire pace of the game, a true example of an all-around midfielder.

Since arriving at Emirates in summer 2023, Rice has always been the "lung" of Arsenal’s play. But this season, he has reached a new level. Beyond recovering the ball and controlling the tempo, Rice has become one of Europe’s top set-piece specialists. Since early 2024, Rice has created 10 direct goals from set pieces, twice as many as any other Premier League player and outshining set-piece kings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-Prowse.

Interestingly, this talent was discovered... by accident. When signing him, Arsenal mainly wanted to use his height and heading skill inside the box. However, during a training session in Dubai, coach Arteta and set-piece expert Nicolas Jover noticed Rice’s rare "whip" technique—a powerful and highly spinning strike. Since then, he was assigned to take corners and free kicks. The results surpassed expectations: Rice’s balls became a nightmare for every defense.

Rice admitted: "I didn’t come to Arsenal to take corners, but the coach and Jover saw something in me that I hadn’t realized. They trusted me, I followed their guidance, and gradually I started to feel I could really do it."

Thanks to his low and powerful free kicks, Rice has created countless dangerous chances. A notable example was his perfect cross for Gabriel to assist Viktor Gyokeres in scoring against Burnley last weekend.

Declan Rice is doing everything for Arsenal, from controlling the rhythm, assisting, to scoring.

The most versatile midfielder in the Premier League

What makes Declan Rice stand out is his completeness. He not only passes well but also carries the tactical mindset of a center-back, the heart of a leader, and the feet of a conductor.

In Arteta’s system, Rice can take on every role: ball recovery, ball progression, attacking support, or even finishing. He bridges defense and attack, maintains the pressing structure, and creates opportunities with daring passes.

It’s no exaggeration to say Rice is the most versatile midfielder in the Premier League, and possibly in Europe right now. He combines the strength of Rodri, the intelligence of Kroos, and the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne. The recent Burnley win was the clearest evidence. Rice ran the longest distance in the team (11.7 km), touched the ball the most (103 times), and had a passing accuracy of 94%. He not only scored a powerful header but also initiated most of the dangerous attacks.

On social media, Arsenal fans continually praise Rice. "Declan Rice is playing like he has cheat codes," one wrote. "Unbelievable accuracy in his set pieces." Another commented, "Rice is playing at player of the year level. No one can reach him."

Even legends like Paul Scholes, who once doubted Rice, now admit he is "one of the most complete midfielders the Premier League has produced in the last decade." For Arteta, Rice is not just a player but a symbol of his philosophy: blending tactical discipline with creative inspiration.

Behind this outstanding form is a remarkable evolution. Rice has refined both his skills and mindset. He no longer plays just as a traditional "anchor" but also knows how to surge forward and score, as shown when he ran nearly the entire pitch to head in a cross from Trossard.

Rice’s success secret lies in his extraordinary physical strength and rare agility. He once said: "I’m extremely flexible; my body can twist and stretch in many directions. This helps me control the ball well and generate spin when taking free kicks."

Vu Manh

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