As England gear up to host Brazil at Wembley in a showpiece friendly this weekend the form of Declan Rice has caught the eye. 

Arsenal's record £105m signing has shone in midfield for Mikel Arteta's table topping Gunners this season.

Rice, 24, has offered stability and acute positional awareness when patrolling the crucial battlefield area ahead of the North Londoners backline.

His ability to sense danger, and his subsequent tackles, blocks and interceptions have been a feature of Arsenal's campaign.

His relentless physicality while shielding his defence, allied with the technical proficiency to prompt attacks, to drive forward, to supplement attacking colleagues further up the field has been just as notable. 

He has also impressed for Gareth Southgate's side at international level. 

England struggled against Australia in the middle - threatening to be overrun at times - after Southgate deemed Rice should sit out the October friendly.

While eager Malta at Wembley in November only stopped being an irritiant when Rice entered the fray - with many also disappointed his spectacular long range effort was disallowed. 

Yet, for all his outstanding attributes, perhaps his humilty is as important as any - for the Arsenal midfielder is still improving and readily admits he's not the finished article. 

"I’ve made mistakes for England and I’ve made mistakes for West Ham, " said Rice, in an interview with Arsenal earlier in the season, adding: "I’ve been taken off at half-time, but thankfully I’ve always had great characters and captains around me to pick me back up. They’ve told me the beauty of football is that there’s always another match.

"I’ve received some great advice over the years, but that’s one that always stands out. You can make a mistake and in that moment it’s painful, but sometimes just three days later you have another game and you have the chance to rectify your mistake.

"It’s important to learn from mistakes, but it’s also important to focus on what’s ahead. If you stay in the past you’re going to keep thinking about the mistake, and you’ll be no good to anyone in a team environment." 

Rice added: "The football culture in Spain or Brazil is completely different to over here - and it's the same for playing styles. 

"Everyone has different techniques, abilities and qualities that they bring to the team."