Cesc Fabregas reveals where Declan Rice has most improved at Arsenal

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Cesc Fabregas reveals where Declan Rice has most improved at Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has "grown with the ball" to the point where he is starting to look more and more like Manchester City star Rodri in the eyes of Gunners legend Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal spent a club record £105m to make Rice the most expensive English player of all time, clearly with the expectation that at such a price tag he would have to deliver world class performances.

The England international has long been known as a defensive type of player, filling the holding role in midfield and even predominantly playing as a centre-back for West Ham's Under-23 team and in his first full season with the club's senior squad.

But Rice started to become more noted for the progressive side of his game and has flourished playing in an inherently technically-focused team like Arsenal.

In their win over Manchester City, the 24-year-old had a different role next to Jorginho, having often previously been the sole 'number six' in a midfield with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz ahead.

"Rice's physicality allows him to cover so much of the pitch that sometimes, as a lone number six, you lose a big part of his capabilities, especially physically," Fabregas told Premier League productions.

"He has grown with the ball. I think he is capable of giving final balls now. Even to go to the edge of the area like Rodri. We have seen him a couple of times, edge of the box, Champions League finals and scored the goals. Rice has that talent as well."

Last month, 90min ranked Rice as the fourth best defensive midfielder in the world. The only players above him were Casemiro at number three, Joshua Kimmich at number two, and Rodri first.