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Roy Keane says what he’s noticed about Declan Rice at Arsenal recently compared to his teammates

Shamanth Jayaram

Thu 24 April 2025 10:15, UK

Declan Rice is one of Arsenal’s best players.

The Englishman has been at the club for nearly two years now, and he has produced several incredible performances for Mikel Arteta in that period.

Rice’s stock shot through the roof following his performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League over two legs earlier in April.

He scored a stunning free-kick brace in the first leg and then showed his class with a very different yet very effective display at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Roy Keane has been seriously impressed with the Arsenal number 41.

Roy Keane delivers verdict on Declan Rice compared to others in his position

Arsenal smashed their transfer record to sign Declan Rice in 2023.

There were a few eyebrows raised about the price tag at the time, with some arguing that he doesn’t contribute to enough goals.

Rice has well and truly silenced those critics at Arsenal. He has been sensational with and without the ball and has impressed everybody.

Keane, who knows a thing or two about playing in midfield, has claimed that Rice’s two goals against Real Madrid have taken him to a whole new level.

But, what has impressed the Manchester United legend is the Arsenal star’s power in the middle of the park.

He said on the : “Obviously, the couple of goals in the first leg were amazing. That does get you talking about him, and putting the ball in the back of the net takes you to another level.

“But, at the moment, he does look more powerful than all the other midfielders around him. Driving past people and all the technical stuff, but he does look very powerful.”

Declan Rice has equalled his personal record this season

Rice was initially brought in to play in defensive midfield at Arsenal following his move from West Ham United in 2023.

But, after working with him, Arteta decided that he would be more effective in a box-to-box role, and that has proved to be a great decision.

Because of that, Rice has now equalled his personal best goal contributions tally this season at Arsenal.

Arsenal are guaranteed to play six more games this season – it could be seven if they make it into the final of the Champions League.

One more direct goal contribution, and this will become Rice’s best-ever season in terms of goals and assists.

That is why nobody is talking about his output now.