Declan Rice: Rising Star at Arsenal and Future England Captain

The personable 26-year-old Declan Rice may not consider himself on the same level as some football legends, but he appreciates when others do.

Since switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England in 2019, Rice has made significant strides in a short time. Initially versatile, playing both as a center-half and midfielder at West Ham, his evolution into a holding midfielder culminated in captaining the Hammers to Conference League success in 2023, followed by a record-breaking £105 million ($141 million) transfer to Arsenal.

His reputation continues to grow in North London as he actively pursues more major honors and is widely regarded as a future England captain. As accolades accumulate on both individual and team levels, his trajectory seems promising.

When asked by Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports about his potential Ballon d’Or candidacy, Rice humorously replied, “I’m just Dec from Kingston, ain’t I?” He acknowledged the significance of being mentioned alongside the world’s elite, stating, “Arsenal fans truly appreciate my contributions, just as West Ham fans did before. Being compared to top players is gratifying, indicating that I’m performing well and aspiring to play at the highest level.”

As he collaborates with a roster of ambitious players at Arsenal, Rice also benefits from the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, who is pivotal in his quest for personal excellence.

Reflecting on his early season discussions with Arteta, Rice revealed, “After just two games, the manager called me into his office because he was dissatisfied with certain aspects of my performance.” He elaborated on the feedback he received, which focused on fundamental aspects such as positional play and tracking opponents. “At the beginning of the season, I recognized that I wasn’t at my best. The manager knows when to challenge me, and I appreciate that push to enhance my game. When he pointed out areas for improvement, I realized I needed to elevate my performance.”

Arteta has publicly endorsed Rice, stating during the 2025-26 campaign, “For me, Declan is the standout performer in his role. He continuously adds depth to his game, and I see no limit to his potential for improvement.”

Arsenal remains committed to nurturing Rice’s development, understanding the importance of maintaining high standards as they chase the Premier League title, having finished as runners-up in the past three seasons.

The Gunners are poised to face defending champions Liverpool, a significant test of their title aspirations, heading into the match five points clear at the top of the table, determined to extend their lead over competitors.