"Took his game to the next level" - Micah Richards claims Arsenal star who does 'everything' has become one of the best in the world

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has tipped his hat to Arsenal star Declan Rice after the Gunners' win over Burnley. Mikel Arteta's men continued their dominance in the Premier League on Saturday, when they secured a 2-0 win away from home at Turf Moor.

Rice netted the Gunners' second goal at the end of an incredible counter-attacking move that came 21 minutes after Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Owing to his impressive performances for Arsenal, Rice has been widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League. And now, Richards has taken it one step further by stating he's among the best in the world.

Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast with Gary Lineker, Richards touched upon how Rice has been doing 'everything' for Arsenal. He is of the opinion that Rice can be a holding midfield player, and also do the box-to-box role to perfection.

Richards commented:

“Declan Rice took his game to the next level now, where you’re talking about him as possibly one of the best in world football. We saw him at West Ham, a very good player. I remember some pundits were criticising him in terms of they didn’t know what he was going to be. Is he a defensive midfielder? Is he an attacking midfielder? He’s everything."

Former England international Richards also went on to claim that he thinks Rice is being wasted in a no.6 role at times purely because he can do a lot more with the ball.

He added:

"I like him in the no.8 [role], I feel sometimes he’s wasted as a no.6. He can do everything but [my point is] he’s consistently putting in these performances where we have to start talking about him as one of the best in world football.”

Rice has already notched up 5 goal contributions in 10 Premier League appearances so far this season. He will look to surpass his tally of 11 in the league last term.

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Declan Rice opens up on emotional reason behind goal celebration for Arsenal

Burnley v Arsenal - Premier League - Source: Getty

After finding the back of the net with a powerful header against Burnley, Declan Rice opened up on the reason behind his emotional celebration. The midfielder dropped to his knees and pointed to the heavens. Rice later revealed that he paid tribute to his late aunt Bev, who passed away before Arsenal's win against Fulham on October 18.

He said after the game:

“My auntie passed away before the Fulham game. I loved her to death,” Rice said after the match. She travelled everywhere to watch me with my mum. I know she’s watching down, so that was for her today."

Rice's goal helped Arsenal move to 25 points in the Premier League after 10 games. The Gunners lead Manchester City and Liverpool by six and seven points, respectively.

Edited by Nived Zenith