The praise flowed freely after Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, but the spotlight shone brightest on Declan Rice. Manager David Moyes, a figure intimately familiar with Rice’s talent from their time together at West Ham, didn’t hesitate to declare him “probably the best midfielder in the world.”
The win, secured by a first-half penalty, propelled Arsenal back to the Premier League summit, two points clear of Manchester City. Yet, the result felt secondary to the burgeoning brilliance of Rice, a player Moyes believes has reached a new echelon under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
Moyes acknowledged Rice’s inherent potential, stating the player was always destined for greatness. However, he was emphatic in his assessment of Arteta’s influence, crediting the Arsenal manager with transforming Rice into a “real, real top player.”
The Everton manager highlighted the challenge his own young midfielder, Tim Iroegbunam, faced in containing Rice. Despite a commendable effort, Iroegbunam was pitted against a force of nature, a player dominating the center of the pitch with both power and intelligence.
Arteta echoed Moyes’ sentiments, describing Rice’s performance as “unbelievable.” He lauded Rice’s all-around contribution, emphasizing his leadership, relentless ball-winning ability, and the energy he provides to the team’s attacking transitions.
Beyond the statistics and tactical analysis, a sense of admiration permeated the post-match discussion. Moyes spoke of Rice as a “terrific boy,” a player whose character and dedication are as impressive as his on-field prowess.
The narrative isn’t simply about a player succeeding; it’s about a manager unlocking a player’s full potential. Arteta appears to have provided the environment and tactical framework for Rice to flourish, solidifying his position among the world’s elite midfielders.
Rice’s consistency this season has been remarkable, becoming a pivotal figure for Arsenal. His impact extends beyond individual brilliance, inspiring those around him and driving the team’s pursuit of the Premier League title.
