Arteta described Rice as a humble player who is always willing to learn and take criticism
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice and admitted he was desperate to sign the former West Ham United’s midfielder after his displays against the Gunners last season.
North London outfit, Arsenal signed Rice from the Hammers for a club record fee of £105 million last summer.
The England international is expected to face West Ham when Arsenal host his former team in an English Premier League (EPL) tie on Thursday evening at the Emirates Stadium.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta described Rice as a “humble guy” who is always willng to learn and take criticism.
He said: “When they put the price-tag you have to carry that and it is not easy.
“He is a really humble guy and the way that he wants to learn and take positive criticism is really powerful.
“I felt it when I played against him, that is why I was mad to sign him. You get a feeling about players and I wanted him to be part of our team.
“He has shown that he has an eye for goals when he is in the opponent’s box he is a real threat. That is something that can be developed.”
Arteta also commended his “leadership skills,” saying “the way that he will naturally grow in the team and club in the years to come, there is much more from him.”
Arsenal will leapfrog Liverpool and return to the top of the English Premier League log table if they are able to beat West Ham. The Hammers on the other hand, will climb into 6th position with a victory or draw in the encounter.