Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has hailed Declan Rice as Arsenal’s most influential player, saying the England international is central to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title ambitions.
Murphy believes Rice’s commanding performances since joining from West Ham in 2023 for a record £105 million have made him “the heartbeat” of the Gunners’ midfield.
Arsenal, currently three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, are chasing their first Premier League crown in over two decades. Murphy insists Rice’s consistency and leadership have been pivotal to their resurgence.
“They’re not reliant now on one or two players,” Murphy said. “I still think Declan Rice is a massive player for them. I know they brought in Christian Norgaard from Brentford, who’s a good player, but Rice has that physical athleticism — he’s so good on the press.
“I’m not saying Arsenal wouldn’t win games without him, but I think he’s the one — he’s become their main man.”
Despite the arrival of new signings like Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, Murphy believes Rice remains irreplaceable in Arteta’s system.
The 25-year-old showcased his importance again in Arsenal’s 4-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, providing the assist for Gabriel Magalhães’ opening goal.
With Rice anchoring the midfield, Arsenal look increasingly like genuine contenders to finally end their 22-year Premier League title drought.
