Declan Rice has hit top form at the perfect moment for Arsenal. The midfielder returned from international duty feeling sharp, focused, and ready for a defining stretch in the season.
“I’m feeling probably as good as I’ve ever felt in my game to be honest with you,” he said. “It probably took me two or three games to get going at the start of the season, but once I’ve fully clicked into gear, I feel like now I’m performing at a really high, consistent level.”
He has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers, driving the team forward with energy and control. Rice wants more of the same every week as he pushes to hit even higher levels.
“That’s what I want to keep doing, week-in, week-out, keep playing at a really high level, keep trying to be the best player and help the team achieve good things; that’s what I want to do.
“We’re in a great position ourselves and if we keep winning football matches then good things are going to happen.”
He added: “I feel like our group has got such a good mentality even though we’re a young group, we’re really focused and really calm, I don’t see anyone panicking, or anyone worrying about what anyone else thinks.
“Martin’s our main captain, he’s incredible, but there’s also a group behind the scenes that help Martin out whenever he needs it.
“If things need to be said, they get said, and in a constructive way, in a way that helps push other people. I feel like we do have more leaders now in the group than we’ve ever had, so that’s a really good thing for us.”
That unity and sharp edge will be needed again this weekend as Arsenal gear up for one of the season’s biggest matchups: the North London Derby.
For Rice, the rivalry has already become something special.
“It means everything. I’ve been involved in four north London derbies so far and we’ve done really well in them, but every time we know there’s one coming up, the fans are ready for it and we’re ready for it.
“It’s a different type of energy compared to any other game. It’s an energy where you know you have to go out there and give it everything; every tackle is going to be cheered, every header, every action.”
He continued: “It’s the biggest fixture of the season for us in terms of what it means, the bragging rights, so to beat Spurs is always nice.”
With three wins and a draw in his derby appearances so far, Rice wants to keep the momentum rolling. Arsenal have battled hard in each meeting, and he wants another decisive performance this weekend.
“Declan Rice says he is in his best form yet as Arsenal prepare for a crucial run of fixtures, including the North London Derby.
“We’ve had a good record over the last few years against them, even though the games have been tough, we’ve won the football matches and that’s what we want to do again this weekend.”
The Englishman is in full flow. The Gunners will hope he stays that way as the derby approaches.
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