Martin Keown admits he’s been very ‘surprised’ by one of Arsenal’s summer signings this season

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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has now admitted his surprise at Mikel Arteta’s decision to use Declan Rice as a number eight this season.

Keown was actually talking to Rice on TNT Sports after Arsenal’s win over Sevilla last night and asked the midfielder what position he preferred.

The pundit stated his opinion that Rice was best as a number six, breaking up playing the middle, but wanted to know where the England international felt most comfortable.

Speaking to Rice, Keown said: “We’ve not met before so I’m really pleased to see you at our football club, you have done a fantastic job in our midfield. 

“You look like a six all day long to me but you have surprised me playing as an eight with the pace that you have shown, how creative you are.

“We knew about the tackles and interceptions. What position are you most comfortable with?”

Rice replied: “I think my best position is probably as a six.

“As an eight I do get a bit excited to dribble with the ball and when I’m playing there it’s my job to try and create but it’s not my biggest strength.

“My biggest strength is breaking up the play, taking the ball and trying to dictate.

“But every time Mikel says you’re playing eight I do get excited as I get to get in the box, run with the ball and show that other side to my game.”

Rice told Keown his best position is still as a number six for Arsenal

Although Rice may still see himself as a defensive midfielder, it does seem as if Mikel Arteta has different plans.

Alongside the addition of Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back, Arteta has seemingly been trying to make his starting XI a lot more robust. 

And whilst the balance hasn’t quite been right in defeats to West Ham and Newcastle United, things did improve against Sevilla.

Perhaps Arsenal were aided by facing weaker opposition, but the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka still shone. 

And Declan Rice was driving the play forwards on the left, even if he didn’t look particularly advanced at times.

Rice was often sitting level with Jorginho, perhaps a slight tweak made by Arteta.

Nonetheless, Rice’s versatility is now a massive asset for Arsenal as Keown has recognised.

And it’ll now be interesting to see which combination of players Arteta picks for another home tie against Burnley on Saturday. 

Jorginho certainly strengthened his case for an extended run in the team, a player who Rio Ferdinand thought was outstanding at times.