Declan Rice was tasked with ranking his four football role models, and the Arsenal midfielder provided some intriguing answers.
At the age of 24, Rice has adapted smoothly to life in north London after his £105 million transfer from West Ham in July. The England international recently netted his inaugural goal for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, securing a stoppage-time victory against Manchester United.
During an interview while on international duty, Rice was requested to list his four footballing role models whom he looks up to and seeks to emulate. His top choice was Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
“The main one in the Premier League is Rodri,” Rice toldChannel 4. “He’s incredible The way he is, the way he works, the way he keeps that Man City team ticking. He’s a top player.
Declan Rice ranking his role models:
1. Rodri.
2. Partey.
3. Tchouameni.
4. Jorginho.Rice🗣️: Obviously the main one is Rodri, he is incredible. The way he works, the way he keeps that City team ticking you know, he is a top player.pic.twitter.com/XoqFqtvyfx
— foland (@propsMCFC) September 12, 2023
Rice also called Thomas Partey “incredible”, before praising Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
“Partey when I came to Arsenal was incredible and has been up until his injury,” he said.
“Tchouameni at Real Madrid, he’s a youngster as well. He’s aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it. He’s very good.”
Rice then went on to hail Gunners teammate Jorginho, admitting the Italian’s ability had “surprised” him.
“The one who surprised me so much – not surprised me because I knew he was such a good player anyway – but playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is because he’s not the biggest is Jorginho,” said Rice.
“His brain, the way it works as a holding midfielder. I’ve just been trying to pick up little things of him. He’s always in position, always knows when to pass, always creates time for himself.
“He’s an outstanding trainer and I’ve been trying to take little bits from his game as well.”