‘Amazing player’… Ange Postecoglou admits 24-year-old Arsenal star is absolutely quality

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has just paid a surprise compliment to an Arsenal player ahead of his game today.

Postecoglou was speaking via football.london before his side face West Ham United this evening.

And when asked to assess David Moyes’ transfers this summer, a familiar Arsenal name popped up, Declan Rice to be precise.

Moreover, when assessing how West Ham have coped with the departure, Postecoglou slipped in a compliment or two as well.

Postecoglou said: “That’s the way you have to look at it. You’re right with West Ham – they’ve brought in quality because Declan was an amazing player and influence for them. 

“So there are opportunities there but you have to take them. It’s not as easy as saying ‘let your best player walk out the door and everything will be great’.

“You let your best player go, you better have a plan.”

Of course, just a few months later, the same comments would be made if Declan Rice were ever to leave Arsenal.

The midfielder is now arguably the side’s most crucial performer alongside William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.

Ange Postecoglou has been amazed by Arsenal player Declan Rice

Whilst Tottenham fans may not enjoy seeing Postecoglou praising an Arsenal player, it’s hard to argue with the merits of his comments.

Much like James Maddison, Rice looks to be worth far more than the sum paid for him this summer, even at £105m.

It’s genuinely difficult to recall a bad moment he’s had in an Arsenal shirt, if there have been any.

The consistency that Rice has shown surely wouldn’t have even been expected by Mikel Arteta this early on.

And after some impressive performances in the pivot, it will be interesting to see if that’s a position Rice now keeps.

Although now in the past, some Arsenal fans may still regret that Rice had to go off injured at half-time in this season’s North London Derby.

With Arsenal winning at the time, Postecoglou must have been relieved to see a different player return to the pitch.

Rice is now massive for Arsenal, a captain in waiting.

And although the future looks bright there, Arsenal fans may be disappointed to hear some fresh news emerging from the club.