"A different player": Rio Ferdinand praises "influential" Arsenal star ahead of Aston Villa game

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is the second most influential player in the Premier League behind Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The 26-year-old is presently in his third season with the Gunners. He has had a terrific campaign thus far, making nine goal contributions from 26 appearances across all competitions.

Rice has formed a terrific midfield partnership with Martin Zubimendi, and Ferdinand believes the Englishman is the second most ‘influential’ player in the league after Haaland.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Red Devils star said that Arsenal are not the same driving force without Rice, and he is a totally ‘different player’ compared to Vitinha or Pedri.

He said: “I think Declan is in a position now where he is arguably one of the most influential players in the Premier League. We have Erling Haaland, who is obviously the most influential player in the Premier League right now.

“I think Declan’s probably number two in the most influential players in the Premier League. When he’s driving, when he’s on it, Arsenal look a completely different team. If Rice comes out of the team, Arsenal aren’t going to be the same driving force.

“He has moments where he can just grab the game and just drive up the pitch 30, 40 yards, and he does many different things. He might not look pretty like a Vitinha or Pedri. He’s a different player, a totally different player, brings something different to the party.

“He’s got so many ways he influences the game. Whether it’s through his personality, sheer determination or his drive with the ball. He can pass a ball over various distances. He can run through and out of a press. He’s started adding goals to the game as well, now he’s playing in a more advanced position.”

Rice has a big role to play in Arsenal’s quest for silverware

Arsenal have had a good first half to the Premier League season. They find themselves two points ahead of Manchester City and three points in front of Aston Villa in the table.

There is still much work to be done with Man City and Villa finding a rich vein of form in recent weeks. The league title race could go down to the wire this time around.

Rice has been a driving force for the Gunners from an advanced central midfield role. He has completed 90 percent of his passes with five recoveries and 1.7 tackles per game this term.

He has two goals and three assists in the league and probably should have had more. Rice has created nine big chances, while also squandering three of his own this campaign.

The onus is on Rice to make more goal contributions in the backend of the campaign as Arsenal look to end their trophy drought, which has lasted for more than five years.

Aside from the league, Arsenal are also in good positions in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. Rice can further enhance his reputation by winning some form of silverware.

Arsenal entertain Aston Villa in tonight’s much-awaited league clash at the Emirates Stadium. Rice has another opportunity to step up with a strong performance to deliver a win.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

The post "A different player": Rio Ferdinand praises "influential" Arsenal star ahead of Aston Villa game first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.