Rice is one of best in the world, a great signing for Arsenal – Barnes

The recent transfer of Declan Rice from West Ham to Arsenal has set the sports world abuzz, with legendary ex-England international John Barnes heaping praise on the move. According to Barnes, Rice is not only one of the best players in his position but also a significant asset for Arsenal as they strive for glory in both the Premier League and the Champions League under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.

After an impressive 204 Premier League appearances for West Ham, Rice has bid farewell to the club on a high note, leading them to victory in the Europa Conference League. His exceptional performance was further solidified by Opta data, which revealed that he made the most interceptions (63) of any player in the Premier League last season.

Having made the transition to Arsenal, Rice showcased his skills during his debut appearance on their US tour, where they secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Stars in Washington DC. Barnes, who deeply admires Rice’s talent, believes he is the perfect fit for Arsenal’s squad. He highlights Rice’s prowess as a defensive midfielder, which will undoubtedly enhance the team’s strength and protection for the back four.

As the plaudits continue to pour in for Rice, Barnes also shared his insights on another exciting transfer, that of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. Barnes firmly believes that the major move will be a success, provided the 20-year-old does not burden himself with unrealistic individual expectations.

Bellingham’s impressive record in the Bundesliga, with 88 take-ons, places him at the top of the list for central midfielders across Europe’s major leagues in the 2022-23 season. According to Barnes, Bellingham’s role at Real Madrid will be different from that of past superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Instead, the young midfielder’s hardworking and dedicated playing style will contribute to the squad’s success, particularly in light of the team’s younger age group.

As fans eagerly await the impact of these exciting transfers, both Rice and Bellingham carry the hopes and aspirations of their respective clubs and supporters. The spotlight is on them to showcase their skills and adapt to their new footballing homes, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating their journey as they continue to make their mark in the sport.