Jump directly to the content

Danny Murphy believes Declan Rice could score at least ten goals a season for Arsenal if he plays further forward.

The 25-year-old has proven to be an excellent midfield signing for the Gunners since his £105million move from West Ham last summer.

Rice has already proven he can score goals in crucial moments for Arsenal
3
Rice has already proven he can score goals in crucial moments for ArsenalCredit: Getty

Rice predominantly plays in a deeper role under Mikel Arteta but has still scored six goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

However, former Premier League midfielder Murphy believes that his tally can increase if he was used in a more advanced position.

Speaking on Match of the Day after Arsenal's 5-0 win over Chelsea, he said: "Rice is growing in the more forward role he sometimes plays.

"He's got this wonderful athleticism when he carries the ball and that commits defenders to give other players space. [Enzo] Fernandez and [Moises] Caicedo, two gifted midfielders, couldn't cope with him. They couldn't get near him.

READ MORE ON ARSENAL

"When you free him up to go and press higher, that makes Arsenal a better team for me. He's one of the best in the Premier League at closing people down when freed from that holding role.

"I think if he plays in this role more often, which I think he will as his Arsenal career progresses, we'll start seeing him reach double figures for goals. He's got all the qualities to score more.

"Granted he's playing with better players [compared to West Ham], but those numbers will go through the roof if he plays that role more consistently."

Rice's six goals this season spells his best scoring record in a Premier League campaign, equalling his tally for the last three years.

Murphy believes he can increase his tally even further with a slight position change
3
Murphy believes he can increase his tally even further with a slight position changeCredit: Getty
The midfielder has seen an improvement in his form in front of goal
3
The midfielder has seen an improvement in his form in front of goalCredit: AFP

The England international had never scored more than four league goals for West Ham so it's clear he's made an improvement.

Three of his strikes in particular have proven key, with his first coming in the sixth minute of stoppage-time in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.

Piers Morgan sings Kai Havertz song live on talkSPORT, makes bold prediction that Arsenal won't choke the Premier League title this season and slams Chelsea for their awful performance against the Gunners

Rice then netted against Chelsea to inspire their comeback to a 2-2 draw before scoring a late winner in their 4-3 victory at Luton Town.

All three could prove pivotal come the end of the season should Arsenal go all the way and win the Premier League title.

The Gunners currently sit top of the table but Manchester City, who face Brighton live on talkSPORT, have two games in hand and will overtake them with wins in both.

Topics