Arsenal have made a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign as they are currently leading the Premier League points table after the first seven matches.
The Gunners have looked extremely solid in defense and midfield despite some injury concerns here and there. The new midfield duo of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi has been an instant hit.
Since Zubimendi's arrival, Rice has got a little more freedom to venture forward and that has drastically improved his game.
Interestingly, he has found a similar system for England where he has been partnering Elliot Anderson at the base of the midfield and overall, he has been enjoying his game since getting that extra bit of freedom.
The 26-year-old captained England in Harry Kane's absence as Thomas Tuchel's men defeated Wales 3-0 in an international friendly.
After the comprehensive win, Rice credited Mikel Arteta for playing him in a new role to accommodate Zubimendi in midfield which has actually helped him in his development.
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"I think now I'm more of a box-to-box number eight," Rice told the reporters after the Wales fixture on his positional tweak.
"The manager has adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can and it's the same with Thomas [Tuchel].
"That really suits me on the left side of midfield, being able to get back, be an all-round action midfielder, [which] is what I want to be.
"I'm just enjoying my football and it's another season where we have started strong with England and with a team at Arsenal. Hopefully there's positive things coming."
What did Rice say about his managers - Tuchel and Arteta?
Rice was earlier shouldered the responsibility of being the anchor in midfield and holding the structure together for both Arsenal and England national team.
He was restricted to a defensive and possession recycling role in midfield but with Zubimendi and Anderson's arrival in the respective setups have allowed the 26-year-old to play with more freedom.
While Rice is extremely versatile and is capable of playing in different role, but he flourishes in a no. 8 role when his attacking runs are blended with gritty tackles in the middle of the park.
Also, his creativity in the final third is something that is not often talked about as he has contributed to a solitary goal and two assists in 10 appearances this season.
"I have two managers that lay it out really easily with the gameplan in what I have to do and where I have to be," Rice has credited Arteta for making the tweak and Tuchel for following the same route.
"Obviously, I am the one that has to go and execute it, but when you have confidence in football, you feel unstoppable at times.
"I ended the season really strong last year and probably didn’t start one or two games of this season as good as I wanted, but I have picked up my form now. I feel really strong. I feel fit, really confident in my game, and hopefully the only way is up from here for England and Arsenal."
England will now travel to Latvia to face them in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, October 14 and Rice will be focused to continue his purple patch.
Arsenal news and related links
- Bukayo Saka opens up after emotional England moment at Wembley
- Man Utd’s hidden gem just got a surprise England call from Thomas Tuchel
- Thomas Tuchel dealt Harry Kane injury blow as England on verge of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification