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When Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million in 2023, he initially played as a conventional holding midfielder for the first six months. However, after participating in a winter training camp in January 2024, he transitioned to a box-to-box position.
This adjustment led to a notable boost in his offensive output, aided by his involvement in set-pieces. He maintained this momentum into the previous season, achieving personal bests with nine goals and ten assists at the age of 26.
Arsenal, who have secured second place in the league in the last three seasons, strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Spanish international Martin Zubimendi for £60 million, aiming to improve upon their recent finishes and claim the championship.
Zubimendi ranks among Europe’s top deep-lying midfielders and has facilitated Rice's complete transformation into a box-to-box midfielder, albeit in a slightly altered manner.
The presence of Zubimendi has allowed Rice to take on a more withdrawn role alongside him, but one that empowers the Englishman to utilize his agility to support Arsenal's offensive plays.
Currently, Rice leads Arsenal this season in total ball carries (147), passes directed into the box (57), and created chances, matching Bukayo Saka with 13.
His impressive performances have led former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira to label him as a "complete midfielder."
How Rice’s game has progressed
Arsenal, who are set to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday at 20:00 BST, has adapted their style this season to be more efficient and to advance the ball through defensive lines more swiftly, which has resulted in Rice operating deeper alongside Zubimendi during attacking phases.
A recruitment expert familiar with elite football shared insights with BBC Sport about how Zubimendi’s addition has enhanced Rice's game.
He stated, "It hasn’t altered his capabilities since he has performed these tasks before, but Zubimendi’s presence has given him the chance to be more versatile.
“He already had the skill to contribute defensively but is now flourishing in offensive scenarios.
“His knack for receiving the ball on the half-turn enables his first touch to consistently go forward.
“The attacking responsibilities have not intimidated him. He has adapted exceedingly well, indicating that it is a role he has always been capable of.”
Rice has already contributed three assists and scored one goal in his 11 appearances for Arsenal this season.
In the match against West Ham, Rice made a late arrival into the penalty area to connect with a bouncing ball, skillfully finishing to net Arsenal's first goal in their 2-0 victory.
The recruitment expert is of the opinion that Rice, while recognized for his endurance, often does not receive the acknowledgment he rightfully deserves.
“Many people tend to overlook the credit he merits for his athleticism,” he remarked. “He is incredibly athletic and has excellent mobility.
“He enjoys the liberty to create in the attack, is outstanding defensively, and plays in a fluid manner with the freedom afforded to him.”
An effective player, skilled in passing, who also brings a gritty aspect to disrupt opponent plays. He is a strong presence in the midfield.
"I appreciate his ability to control the pace of the match. His movements show an impressive level of precision. He has smoothly transformed into a box-to-box player."
England is reaping the rewards of Rice's development.
The national team benefits from Rice's growth as well.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has positioned Rice further forward while Elliot Anderson has taken on the number six role, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to utilize his running capabilities to the fullest.
"It's a hot topic!" Rice remarked after the 3-0 victory against Wales at Wembley when questioned by Sport about his position.
"It doesn't bother me. I now see myself more as a box-to-box number eight.
"The manager [Arteta] has modified my role at Arsenal slightly this year, providing me with the freedom to drop back while also getting into the box when possible, and Thomas [Tuchel] does the same.
"I find that role particularly suits me on the left side of midfield, allowing me to contribute defensively. I aspire to be a versatile midfielder."
Rice praised both Tuchel and Arteta for instilling him with the confidence to embrace a more advanced position.
"When you're confident in football, you can feel invincible at times, and I believe I finished the season on a strong note," he shared.
"I may not have started the first one or two games of this season as well as I wished, but I have regained my form now.
"I feel robust, in good shape, and confident in my game. I hope the only way is up from here with England and Arsenal."
Premier League clubs taking notice of Rice’s capabilities
An analyst from a competing Premier League team has observed the shift in how both Arsenal and Rice are performing.
He stated to Sport: "It appears that their buildup resembles more of a 4-2-3-1 system compared to last year’s 4-3-3, where Rice played as the left number eight.
"I would agree that his role has become somewhat more hybrid, starting deeper during the buildup, but then participating in higher offensive positions further up the pitch [box-to-box]."
Many elite teams aim to create numerical superiority against their opponents’ defensive formations. Thus, when facing teams employing a four-man defense, they typically seek to involve five players in their attacking strategy.
For instance, during the match against Manchester City, Arsenal advanced Riccardo Calafiori further up the pitch and repositioned Leandro Trossard into a gap off the left flank.
"This strategy has resulted in Rice remaining deeper with Zubimendi, adopting a 3-2-5 formation when in possession.
"However, Arsenal frequently adapts their approach; in certain matches, they may position the left-back inverted next to the defensive midfielder, yet still maintaining a 3-2-5 shape. This variation can lead to Rice moving into a higher position within the left zone."
Arsenal has experienced a strong beginning to the season, having allowed only three goals, achieved eight clean sheets, and suffered just one defeat in their first eleven games. They currently lead Manchester City by three points at the summit of the Premier League after eight matches.
Arteta aims to surpass previous seasons where they've finished second consecutively, with Rice's performances being crucial in their pursuit of that goal.
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