Arsenal new signing Declan Rice has revealed that he is looking to learn from fellow midfielder Jorginho in training, labelling his Italian teammate an ‘outstanding player’ in an interview with Channel 4.
The Englishman made the switch to Arsenal from West Ham in what was briefly a Premier League record transfer of £105m, and has played every minute of the opening four Premier League games of the season.
He scored his first goal for the club against Manchester United, as his late deflected strike handed Arsenal a lead in stoppage time of the second half before a Gabriel Jesus goal ensured the three points.
But Rice himself has admitted that he is far from the finished product, revealing last month that he is ‘already seeing football in a completely different way’ and claiming that ‘I want to go up a few levels’ in north London.
Now, he appears to have found a mentor to help him in the form of fellow ex-Chelsea man Jorginho.
Speaking to Channel 4 over the international break, Rice spoke of his admiration for the Italian and his understanding of the role Mikel Arteta asks his midfielders to play, despite arriving in north London just six months before Rice.
“I’m trying to pick up things off Jorginho because he is not the biggest, but the way his brain works as a holding midfielder, he is always in position, always knows when to pass and always create time for himself”, he told Channel 4.
“He is an outstanding player and I am trying to learn from him”, he added.
“I’m only 24. I’ve got all the abilities myself, but there are still things to add to get to the top and that’s what I want to do.”
Rice also revealed just how important Mikel Arteta was to his eventual arrival at the Emirates Stadium, despite a late bid from Manchester City.
“Arteta was key for me to choose Arsenal”, he explained.
“The moment I met him I knew he was the one I wanted to take care of next part of my career. The way he spoke, his aura, the way he sees the game”. “I’m so happy with my decision, I feel at home”.
