Arsenal Midfielder Declan Rice's Bold Claim: 20+ Goals as a Striker?
Arsenal star Declan Rice, one of the best midfielders in the world, has made a surprising and humorous revelation. In a recent video released by Arsenal on their social media channels, players were asked what position they'd choose to play for one game. Rice's answer? "Number nine! Big target man!" He went even further, confidently predicting that he would score "20 plus" goals a season if given the chance to play up front.
Rice's Versatility and Scoring Prowess
Rice's impressive performance since joining Arsenal from West Ham United for a club-record fee has undoubtedly impressed. While his defensive midfield contributions are regularly lauded—his work rate and ability to win back possession are exceptional—his offensive capabilities are equally noteworthy. He possesses a fantastic right foot, showcasing impressive passing accuracy and a knack for scoring diverse goals. This is evident in his already significant contribution of 20 goal contributions since joining the Gunners. This outstanding return for a midfielder has clearly silenced critics who questioned his offensive potential.
A Midfielder's Unexpected Goalscoring Ability
Rice's statement isn't entirely outlandish. Last season, he scored seven league goals despite an expected goals (xG) of just 3.32, highlighting his clinical finishing ability. He even surpassed his own expectations and those of pundits like Roy Keane, effectively proving his doubters wrong with his impactful contributions in goals and assists.
Arsenal's Striker Situation: A Potential Solution?
Arsenal’s current striking situation is a topic of much discussion. The club is reportedly still on the hunt for a new striker, with names like Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak being linked. While the search for an elite striker continues, Rice's confident claim offers a rather unexpected, albeit humorous, in-house solution. The club's recent social media engagement showcased the responses from other players, with Riccardo Calafiori echoing a similar desire to try playing as a striker.
The Dream Team: A Hilarious Arsenal Lineup
The video also revealed the positions other Arsenal players would love to play if given the chance for just one game. The responses have painted a rather comical picture, should Arteta actually try implementing their suggestions! The resulting lineup would, as one might expect, be absolutely chaotic! With nobody expressing a desire to play in defense, and several competing for a spot up front, Arteta would seemingly be tasked with employing a bizarre 1-1-6 formation, should his players get their wish. One can only imagine the comedic possibilities, though it seems very unlikely Arteta would ever give this configuration a try.
The Future: Rice's Position and Arsenal's Striker Search
While Rice's ambition to play as a striker is entertaining, it's highly unlikely Arteta will deploy him upfront in a competitive match. However, his willingness to explore other roles and his impressive goal-scoring ability showcase his versatility as a player. The Gunners continue their search for a top striker, and players like Sesko remain a focus. Sesko has shown promise with his seven goals and three assists in 17 games this season. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus's struggles to find his form means that the ongoing hunt for an upgrade will likely continue into next summer.
This situation leaves Arsenal with several options, including potential new signings and exploring the potential of players already within the squad. The club's decision will be pivotal in determining their success in the upcoming season and beyond. The club's current goal-scoring rate of 21 goals in 12 league games suggests there is definite scope for improvement, especially given Jesus's lack of goals and diminished role in the team this season.
Despite the humorous nature of Rice's comments, his impressive performance in midfield and his confidence in his abilities highlight his value to the team. The club’s future goals and the search for the perfect striker will define Arsenal’s journey in the years to come. The club’s recent activities and acquisitions offer an exciting glimpse into the future, shaping a thrilling narrative for the supporters to follow. The upcoming season will be key in determining whether these plans bear fruit.