Patrick Vieira explains why Arsenal star Rice is one of his ‘favourite’ players

Patrick Vieira has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is ‘one of his favourite Premier League players’.

Vieira knows exactly what it takes to make a big impact in midfield for the Gunners. He made over 400 appearances for the club between 1996 and 2005, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

The 107-cap France international was also Arsenal captain from May 2002 until his departure and was part of the club’s ‘Invincibles’ team in the 2003/04 season.

Declan Rice is currently the man running Arsenal’s engine room, having joined from West Ham last summer for a staggering £100million plus bonuses (according to BBC Sport).

The England international, who helped the Three Lions reach the final of the European Championship for the second year in a row earlier this summer, has been a huge success at the Emirates, having scored seven goals and provided ten assists in 52 games in the red and white shirt so far.

Rice was also in the top three of his team-mates in the Premier League last season for completed passes (2,019), chances created (47), tackles (83) and interceptions (44).

That was enough to help Arsenal finish second in the Premier League title race, behind Manchester City. The battle lasted until the final day, before Arsenal settled for silver.

Arsenal legend Vieira praises Declan Rice

Rice’s performances have certainly caught Vieira’s attention, not least because of his ability to improve those around him.

“I like him because he is a team player and I think when you play in that position you have to be the one who sacrifices himself for the team,” the Arsenal legend said of Rice (via the club’s official website). “You have to win the ball and you have to give it to the players who can make the difference.

“It’s a very difficult position because you work hard for the team but maybe you don’t get as much recognition as the guys who score those goals.”

Vieira added: “If you look at Arsenal last year and hopefully this year as well, he will be a key player for the team because he will do all the dirty work to make the others look good and allow them to make the difference in the last 30 metres.

“He is one of my favourite players in the Premier League because he sacrifices himself, works hard for the team and is a team player.”