Arsenal legend Paul Merson has described Gunners midfielder Declan Rice as “their best player by a million miles” so far this season.
The Arsenal icon made the claim on Sky Sports during the Gunners‘ 6-0 hammering of Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Rice has been a revelation at Arsenal since joining from West Ham in a British record £105million deal. So much so, in fact, that few are focusing on the price tag any more.
The 24-year-old’s efforts have helped Arsenal go top of the Premier League table and progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.
During Arsenal’s meeting with Lens, Mikel Arteta took Bukayo Saka off in the 66th minute to a standing ovation, with Reiss Nelson taking his place.
“He’s taken Saka off. Good move,” Merson said on Soccer Special, via the Sky Sports website.
“I’d probably bring off Rice now if I’m honest. He’s been their best player by a million miles this season. Got to wrap him up in cotton wool.”
Arsenal cruised into the last 16 of the competition, with the outcome of the game against Lens already a foregone conclusion by the half-hour mark.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli put the result beyond doubt by the 27th minute.
Martin Odegaard made it four in first-half injury time and, late on in the match, Jorginho converted a penalty conceded by Abdukodir Khusanov.
It was a very comfortable night for Rice, who was dominant throughout. Not only is he quality but he also boasts immense consistency. What a signing he has been for Arsenal.