Martin Keown has said Declan Rice has become the ‘complete player’ for Arsenal and said the midfielder embodies the improving Gunners.
Rice starred as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points, scoring one and creating another in the club’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
The North London side are targeting a first Premier League title in 20 years and Rice has been central to their challenge this season.
The 25-year-old, who was named runner-up to Phil Foden for the FWA Footballer of the Year award this week, signed from West Ham in a club-record deal last summer and has proven to be an instant hit at the Emirates.
Rice has recorded seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season, comfortably the best returns of his career so far, and former Arsenal defender Keown said he was running out of superlatives for the all-action midfielder.
“It was a little bit nervy that first half. Declan Rice, the superlatives for him. He just keeps getting better,” Keown said to TNT Sports.
“If ever a position or a club was ready-made for him, it is the Arsenal situation he finds himself in. He is the complete player now for Arsenal.
“This was called the promised land and it has taken nearly 20 years to get the atmosphere we have here, the unity between the fans and the players and I think Declan embodies that. I love the celebration. He is having himself for fun. Go and enjoy it.”
