Mikel Arteta Throws Praise at Declan Rice: One of the Best Midfielders in the World

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta praised Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the world after playing a crucial role in Arsenal's 3-2 victory at Bournemouth on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Rice's two goals in the second half took control of the game for the Gunners after Evanilson opened the scoring in the 10th minute from Gabriel Magalhaes' mistake, who then paid him by scoring the equalizer six minutes later.

Junior Kroupi's long-range goal in the 76th minute created a tense end to the game, but Arsenal managed to hold on to a 3-2 score to take a six-point lead at the top of the English League table.

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 for a club-record transfer fee of £105 million and has developed his game as an eight-man midfielder after previously playing in the defensive midfield position.

No wonder, Arteta also very confidently said the 26-year-old had developed into one of the best midfielders in the world.

"Yes, in my opinion. For me, the players we have are the best. Declan continues to add new things to his game, continues to add new things to his role in the team."

"I don't see where he can stop because he can still improve in many areas. He wants to improve. He is a very important player for us," Arteta said as quoted by ESPN.

Apart from that, Arteta also mentioned Gabriel's recovery from his mistake at the start of the game - giving the ball to Evanilson on the edge of his own penalty area - as an important moment in the development of his team, along with Rice recovering from a swollen knee injury and playing the full 90 minutes at the Vitality Stadium.

"I really liked the next step of the team today in terms of personality and individual presence. I think what Gabi Magalhaes did after making a big mistake that led to a goal, the way he reacted to it, the way he played after it, the way he channeled the energy after it, was incredible."

"Declan, another one, every hour is very important for him to be able to be here today. We don't know how long, so the way he competed, played, and on top of that scored two goals, I think it was incredible and a very big message for the team," said the Spanish coach.

Arsenal are further away from Manchester City's pursuit after slipping at home after only drawing 1-1 against Chelsea on Monday, January 5, 2026, early morning WIB.