Three Reasons Why Declan Rice is Already Paying Arsenal Back his Record Fee 

Arsenal's record £105m signing Declan Rice is an outstanding midfielder who can grow to become the best in the world - read the Gooner Fanzine's Alex Walsh to find out exactly why in his deep dive 

Declan Rice is already paying Arsenal back - here's why

Declan Rice's acquisition by Arsenal came with a substantial price tag, but Sunday's match against Manchester United demonstrated why that record expenditure is entirely justified. 

1 - Declan Rice can play deeper when required 

Against United, Rice played without Thomas Partey in the team for the first time, which required the former West Ham midfielder to assume a slightly deeper role as the defensive anchor in front of the backline.

In the past couple of seasons, Arsenal have heavily relied on Partey in the defensive midfield role, as he was the sole player in the squad capable of effectively covering that position.

Both Elneny and Jorginho are solid players, but either of the pair playing in the lone 6 role changes the structure of the team, as they aren’t quite as dynamic as Partey.

With Rice in the squad it lifts a heavy weight off Mikel Arteta's shoulders when it comes to squad selection in terms of that crucial DM role.  

2 - Declan Rice can play as an attacking midfielder

Rice is already a phenomenal midfielder defensively, so if he can add to his game offensively, he has the potential to be one of the very best.

Against United during Sunday's stirring 3-1 victory, he did exactly that - Rice played flawless defensively, and then stepped up in a massive moment against a fierce rival and effectively won the game.

Big players step up in big moments and Rice is already that kind of player for Arsenal.

3 - Rice is so mature and already acts as a leader

A player that doesn’t shy away from responsibility and drives his team forward through his determination, commitment and strong work ethic. By showing such on-field leadership, he amplifiues the team's togetherness, solidarity and unity, thereby underlining Arteta's mantra of trust. In themselves, their teammates and the greater cause. 

Rice also has a powerful will-to-win and a striving for success that is as impressive as it is important. He's also an effective communicator, which is priceless in the heat of battle, when things are not going entirely your team's way, as witnessed late in Sunday's game - prior to netting his first goal for Arsenal, to send his team onto a hugely important victory. 

That’s why his performance against Man Utd already paid off a big chunk of his price tag.

If he can consistently perform at this level in important matches, the £105 million investment in him will undoubtedly appear as a bargain in the years to come.