It is one of the major satisfaction of the Arsenal season. Repositioned above the field by Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice (26 years old) goes on high -flying performance, adding goals (8) and assists (10 TCC) to his usual slaughter. His impressive performances in the midfield of the Gunners earn him logically praise, and some do not hesitate to compare him to one of the largest legends of the club at the same position: Patrick Vieira. A flattering filiation for English, but which seems to leave the former captain of the invincibles to say the least … Perplexed, even annoyed.
“No comparison!” »: Vieira marks its difference… and salutes Arteta
Asked about this recurring parallel, Patrick Vieira did not hide his discomfort. His first reaction was to refuse the exercise net: “I don't like to make comparisons, because I think we are all different with our strengths and weaknesses.” he said. A polished but firm way to mark its singularity and suggest that placing Rice at its height is perhaps premature. Rather than expanding on the qualities of Rice, Vieira has immediately preferred to attribute the success of the English to his coach: “I think that (the merit goes) first to the manager, to Mikel (Arteta) (…) I think he saw his physical side to make the box-tobox. »»
Declan Rice does not impress so much that it will live.
Continuing her analysis, Vieira insists on the importance of this change of position initiated by Arteta, which allowed Rice to express themselves better. “I think this number 8 position suits him much better, because before we could say 'ok, he may play with the handbrake',” Analysis of the 98 world champion. A remark which, if it underlines Arteta's tactical intelligence, can also be interpreted as a way of saying that Rice, unlike himself at the time, needed this specific repositioning to raise certain inhibitions in his game and dare to go forward.
Vieira puts (subtly) Rice in its place?
Certainly, Patrick Vieira concedes that he “Love to look” Declan Rice play and appreciate his ” spirit “ and its
“Competitiveness”. But these few words of politeness weigh little in the face of his initial refusal to compare and his insistence to credit Mikel Arteta above all. The general impression left is that of a legend who recognizes the good player that is Rice, but who absolutely does not seem
” to come back “ Because we can already put them on an equal footing.
By refusing the direct comparison and systematically highlighting the role of Mikel Arteta in the hatching of Rice in this more offensive position, Patrick Vieira sends a subtle but clear message. While remaining a diplomat, the ancient arsenal icon seems to remember its own dimension and suggest that Declan Rice, despite its excellent current performance, still has a long way to go to truly walk in the immense steps of its French predecessor. The comparison, for Vieira, obviously does not have to be for the moment.
