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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been attracting attention for his performances, and now he has caught the eye of a Premier League legend.
Yaya Toure, one of the league’s top midfielders, sees shades of his own game in Rice, praising his physicality, mentality and ability to become one of the best in his position.
Speaking about Rice’s potential, Toure said: “Declan Rice reminds me of myself because I think he has the ability, the skill and also the physical ability. To do it week in, week out is tough and very demanding, but he can do it.”
Rice has been in the spotlight since joining Arsenal, with his work ethic and adaptability in midfield proving crucial for club and country.
Despite a slower start to the season, Rice has shown signs of returning to his best, as demonstrated by his solid performance for England against the Republic of Ireland where he scored and provided an assist in their 2-0 win.
Toure hails Rice’s mentality to improve
What impresses Yaya Toure most about Rice is his hunger to improve. “I like it when players want to improve and Declan has the mentality to do that,” he said.
Toure, who dominated the Premier League during his time at Manchester City, understands the demands of excellence in top-flight football and believes Rice is well equipped to meet those challenges.
Rice himself recently admitted that his fitness had been slow to develop after his late return to Arsenal after the Euros. However, after a strong performance for England against Ireland, Rice said: “Obviously I came back to Arsenal late (after the Euros). To be honest, I don’t feel 100 per cent fit so far. I’ve kind of done my pre-season in the Premier League.”
“Today I feel like I’ve taken a step forward. I feel like myself again, I feel more dynamic, I feel like I can run on the field, I feel more powerful.”
Toure on Rodri comparison: Rice needs to win more trophies
While Rice’s talent is undeniable, Toure also highlighted the stiff competition he faces from Manchester City’s star defensive midfielder Rodri to be the league’s best defensive midfielder. “He’s competing with Rodri,” Toure said. “You can’t underestimate Rodri for what he’s done and what he’s achieved with Manchester City and now with Spain. He’s a good player. He’s a competitor.”
Toure acknowledged that the difference between Rice and Rodri at this stage is the number of trophies each has won. “Those two are there, but Rodri has won more trophies than Declan. This year, Declan has to change that. Winning trophies makes the difference.”
Indeed, Rice’s ambitions to be among the best in his position will be linked to Arsenal’s success this season. Toure believes that for Rice to truly shine, he must lead Arsenal to the title. “He has to be part of a winning team, because the team that wins the league has the best players.”
Playing Style Comparison: Rice vs. Rodri
Although Rice and Rodri play similar roles, Toure highlighted some key differences between their playing styles. “When you look at the details of Declan’s game in terms of winning the ball back, running with the ball, getting forward and dribbling, even assisting, Declan is similar to what I used to do. He was trying to assist and dribble.”
Toure stressed that Rodri’s strengths lie more in reading the game, controlling possession and stopping counterattacks. “Rodri is more constructive, he reads the game very well, he stops counterattacks and he makes passes. That’s what makes the difference between them.”
Rice’s versatility in midfield has been a key asset for Arsenal and England, but as Toure notes, the path to greatness will require consistency and success at the highest level.
For Rice, the challenge is not just individual performance, but leading his team to titles.
Bottom line: Rice has the mindset to go further
Rice has the potential to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, and with the glowing endorsement of Yaya Toure, it’s clear the Arsenal man is on the right track.
But as Toure suggests, the next step for Declan Rice will be to turn his promise into trophies with Arsenal.
With the mindset to improve and the desire to succeed, Rice’s journey to the top has only just begun.
