‘People listen’…Mikel Arteta says 24-year-old Arsenal player has everyone’s attention when he speaks out

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Mikel Arteta has been lauding some of his players ahead of facing West Ham today and had some kind words for Declan Rice.

The Arsenal midfielder has quickly become a fan favourite since signing for north of £100m in the summer and is a popular member of the playing squad among staff as well.

Rice is one of the very first names on Mikel Arteta’s team-sheet and continues to grow as a player in the red of Arsenal.

And despite not being the captain as he was at West Ham, Mikel Arteta has said that when Rice does speak up, everyone in the squad pays attention.

Mikel Arteta talks up Declan Rice as Arsenal captain

In quotes captures from his presser yesterday by The Athletic, Arteta admitted that Rice has got the natural ability to be skipper and that he has the attention of his teammates when he does speak.

“Yeah, he has got every skill. Obviously he has been captain at youth level, he has been captain for West Ham and he is one that sometimes doesn’t need to have the armband. When he talks, people listen and pay attention — and he has got the natural ability to do that,” Arteta said.

Rice is captain material

Martin Odegaard has the armband at the moment and probably won’t be relinquishing it anytime soon, especially while Arteta is there.

But in Declan Rice, Arsenal have a player who can step up to the role if needed and really, does the role of a captain on the field anyway.

Rice’s signing was looked at as a bit of a risk in the summer but even that mammoth £100m+ fee is looking money well spent by the club.

Arsenal’s chances of winning have improved with Rice in the team and there is no doubt he’s improved there first XI.

If come the season’s end they are title winners, then the signing of Rice will be seen as being a pivotal moment for the football club.