The Athletic FC Podcast Is Declan Rice the Premier League's best midfielder?
Dec 4, 2025
Football journalist Art De Roche and pundit Carl Anka dive into the pivotal role of Declan Rice for Arsenal. They discuss his recent calf scare and the implications for Arsenal's title chase. The conversation shifts to Rice's evolution from West Ham, highlighting his leadership and set-piece prowess. Carl ranks him among the Premier League's top midfielders and reflects on what defines greatness. The duo also examines Arsenal's squad depth and tactical shifts under Mikel Arteta, wrapping up with predictions for Rice's future as a potential England captain.
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Merino Is An Effective Makeshift Striker
- Mikel Arteta has steadily expanded Mikel Merino's role, turning him into an effective makeshift striker when needed.
- Merino's movement and header instincts make him a valuable, adaptable attacking option for Arsenal.
Ben White Raises Arsenal's Floor And Ceiling
- Ben White's return shows Arsenal raised both their ceiling and their floor through recruitment.
- His proactive defending and overlaps restore dynamics between full-back and winger on the right.
Recruitment Future-Proofed Arsenal's Defence
- Arsenal purposely recruited multiple hybrid centre-backs and full-backs-to-centre-back options to future-proof injuries.
- That depth lets them survive losing starting centre-backs and keep performance levels high.