Mark Noble has named Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, as the best player he has ever played with.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Noble was asked to name the best player he ever shared the pitch with, and while the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Carlos Tevez and Dimitri Payet all got special mentions, Noble ultimately decided that Rice was the best player he’s worked alongside.
Rice, of course, worked in tandem with Noble in the West Ham midfield before his move to Arsenal.
Noble has been incredibly impressed by Rice since joining Arsenal, claiming that he expects him to win the Gunners’ Player of the Season award in his debut campaign.
Noble names Rice as the best he’s played with
Noble spoke highly of the Arsenal star.
“Who do you think is the best player you have played with?” Noble was asked.
“I’m going to say, Teddy Sheringham, Carlos Tevez, Dimitri Payet, there are many good players, but I’m going to have to say Declan Rice,” Noble said
“Declan Rice has moved away and is doing great, how does that make you feel seeing that success?” Noble was asked.
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“I’m not surprised to be honest. I think everyone knew to be honest, especially the players that played with him and the coaches that had him knew how good he was going to be. They knew what a top player Arsenal were getting. I had a lot of Arsenal fans telling me it was too much money, now they’re saying it’s cheap and what a top player he is. I said to them I have no doubt he’ll win Arsenal’s Player of the Season in his first season because I knew he’d go there and be so good,” Noble said.
High praise
This is massive praise from Noble.
Look at the names Noble has listed off there. He’s played with some true modern greats, but he maintains that Rice is the best of the bunch.
Of course, comparing Rice with a player like Carlos Tevez is a bit bizarre as they’re so different on the pitch, but in terms of talent, it’s clear that Noble thinks Rice is right up there with some of the best in the business.
Rice’s career is only just getting started at Arsenal, and it’s exciting to ponder what the future holds for the midfielder.