Arsenal: How Declan Rice’s role has changed at the Gunners

Arsenal, who host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday (20:00 GMT), have changed their style this season to be more direct and play through defensive lines quicker, meaning Rice moves deeper alongside Zobimendi when launching attacks.

One recruitment specialist who works in top-level football told BBC Sport how Zobimendi’s signing complemented Rice’s style.

He said: He did not change what he could do as he did before, but he… [Zubimendi’s arrival] It gave him more ability to be an all-rounder.

“He already had the ability to contribute to the game but now he is able to excel in the attacking phases.

“His ability to take the ball on a half turn allows his first touch to always be forward when he receives it.

“The attacking role didn’t differentiate him. He took it well and you could tell he always had it.”

Rice already has three assists and one goal in his 11 appearances for Arsenal this season.

For his goal against West Ham, Rice arrived late into the box to meet a loose ball and finished well to score Arsenal’s first goal in their 2–0 win.

The recruiting specialist believes that Rice, despite his reputation for his running ability, does not get the credit he deserves.

“A lot of people don’t give him the credit he deserves because of his sport,” he said. “He is very athletic and a good motor.

He added: “He has the freedom to create the attacking area on the field, and he is excellent at catching. He is a fluent player and performs with the freedom he is given.”

“Good player, good passer, but he can also be brave and break up the play. He is a dominant midfielder.

“I like the fact that he can control the tempo of the game. Really good accuracy in his actions. He has seamlessly transformed into a box-to-box player.”