Mikel Arteta names attribute Declan Rice must improve to take Arsenal midfielder to ‘another level’

The England international has become an integral figure in the Gunners' midfield since his £105m ($137m) move from West Ham United. Although Rice ticks most boxes that one would generally expect from a No. 8, Arteta believes that he must work on his goal-scoring capability to unlock his full potential.

Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: "He has shown that he has an eye for goals when he is in the opponents’ box. He is a real threat. That is something that can be developed. His leadership skills will naturally grow in the team and club in the years to come. He has other levels to go. I love his presence on the pitch, he’s got something special. Playing as a No 8 he can be an incredible player.”

Rice had previously enjoyed a more advanced role in Arsenal's midfield but had to adapt to a deep-lying central position due to Thomas Partey's injury. Notably, at West Ham, David Moyes tweaked the system to allow more freedom to Rice by giving more defensive duty to Tomas Soucek. The midfielder repaid the trust shown in him and made 18 goal contributions in his last two seasons with the Hammers.

Rice has scored three goals this campaign for Arsenal including two stoppage-time strikes against Manchester United and Luton Town and another against Chelsea.

Arteta appreciated Rice's quick learning and positive response to constructive criticism and at the same time hailed his humility and intelligence in handling the pressure following a big-money move from the Hammers.

"When they put the price tag, you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way,” Arteta said.

“He is really humble and the way he takes positive criticism is really powerful. Every time you switch the TV on, they will be talking about Arsenal and talking about Declan.

“There were a lot of question marks and that’s something you have to overcome because they’re going to be looking at every statistic and every movement that you make. Then take things in a way that is constructive and put it in the context of ‘in game to game, action to action’ — this can change very quickly. He’s very intelligent to manage it.”

Rice will be in action against his former employers, West Ham, on Thursday at the Emirates.