Arsenal secured a vital 3-0 win over Bournemouth to keep themselves in the Premier League title race, and Declan Rice was particularly impressive.

The Gunners navigated some tricky Bournemouth pressure in the second half to secure all three points, and Rice proved crucial going forward, with an outstanding assist for Leandro Trossard, and the final goal to his name.

Rice has excelled both at the base of midfield and in a more advanced role this season, and he has now provided 15 Premier League goals and assists in this campaign.

Mikel Arteta was quick to praise his record signing after the Bournemouth victory, and he has highlighted the remarkable way in which Rice has thrived in multiple roles.

Mikel Arteta praises Declan Rice for excelling in multiple Arsenal roles

Speaking after the game, Arteta emphasised the difficulty of what Rice has done all season, and praised the 25-year-old for adapting so well to his ideas.

“We thought that was going to be very related to his location on the pitch and the spaces he was going to occupy,” he stated.

“Then something else is to do it in this league and credit to him. Sometimes we have changed him from position to position and that’s not easy as a player to adapt to that, so I think he deserves a lot of credit to do that.”

How Declan Rice has shone in multiple positions

Rice started the season at the base of midfield, and occasionally reverts back to that role, with Arsenal still benefitting from his contributions there.

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League, and that is in no small part down to Rice’s additional security in shielding the back four.

Rice has also excelled going forward, with Jorginho or Thomas Partey occupying the space behind him, and this has shown through his career-best goal and assist tally.

The Englishman’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch, as well as pull off genius creative moves like his assist today, makes him the complete midfielder, and he has fully justified his price tag.

Even if Arsenal do not win the title, Rice has taken them up to a new performance level, and has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season.

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