At 26, Declan Rice has become an indispensable force within the Arsenal squad. Known affectionately among teammates by a nickname that reflects his personality and playstyle, Rice has swiftly emerged as a cornerstone of the team's quest for Premier League and Champions League glory. Having played hundreds of games throughout his career, his consistency and reliability have not gone unnoticed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta recently praised Rice for hitting a "new gear" and adding an "added bite to his game," underscoring his growing influence on the pitch.
Since August 2022, Rice has logged more minutes than any other player except for Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. Despite suffering a minor toe injury in November, he remained available for almost every game, demonstrating his resilience and commitment. His form was particularly evident during Euro 2024, where he played every single minute for England, showcasing his endurance and tactical acumen.
Rice's recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. He has taken proactive steps to enhance his game by watching clips and collaborating with analysts. An integral part of his routine involves fueling his performance with energy drinks from CELSIUS, which he credits as a key component of his preparation strategy.
"The manager said in a press conference the other week, no matter what, the only thing we can worry about is ourselves." – Declan Rice
His dedication paid off when he scored his first Champions League goal against Dinamo Zagreb. Rice's ability to maintain high performance levels has made him a driving force behind Arsenal's victories, including a remarkable 10-player win against Wolves. He recently received recognition for his outstanding contributions, being named player of the match in Arsenal's commanding 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
"But at the end of the season, we will be there. We can only keep believing in what we believe in, work on what we're working on and have full trust in the manager, players and everyone around us that we can achieve great things." – Declan Rice
Rice attributes his success to meticulous preparation and a steadfast focus on improvement. He acknowledges the role of Arsenal's nutritionist, who helped him understand the importance of diet and hydration as critical elements for peak performance.
"I never really took into that side of the game until the nutritionist at Arsenal sat me down, went through it properly and showed me how your body works, and what you have to be eating and drinking constantly to be at the top of your game." – Declan Rice
His commitment extends beyond physical preparation. Rice emphasizes the mental demands of competing at the highest level. He recognizes that every player has unique routines and challenges, but stresses that mental fortitude is crucial when striving for success.
"It's really tough. Every player has a different routine and lives differently." – Declan Rice
As Arsenal continues their pursuit of silverware, Rice remains optimistic about their prospects. He believes that the team's collective belief in their abilities and trust in Arteta's leadership will be pivotal in achieving their goals.
"It's down to us to get that over the line. Big things are coming. We need to stay positive and keep going." – Declan Rice
The journey towards these ambitions involves navigating a demanding schedule with numerous away fixtures and extensive travel commitments. Despite these challenges, Rice remains focused on maintaining high performance levels and ensuring he is ready to deliver whenever called upon.
"Once we played the games, it's how we go again in a few days' time." – Declan Rice
"That's a really important part and for me now, with the number of games we're playing, it's probably the most important part." – Declan Rice
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