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Bukayo Saka praises Arsenal teammate for his leadership
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka has spoken highly of Declan Rice, expressing his admiration for the midfielder and describing how much he enjoys playing alongside him at Arsenal. Since joining the Gunners, Rice has established himself as one of the most influential players in Mikel Arteta’s side, earning the respect of both his teammates and supporters. His arrival marked a significant investment by the club, yet his consistent performances have ensured that few now speak about his transfer fee, as his impact has fully justified it.

The England international has seamlessly adapted to life at the Emirates, bringing both technical quality and strong leadership to the team. His ability to control the tempo of matches, read the game intelligently, and drive the team forward has been vital to Arsenal’s continued progress. Beyond his abilities on the pitch, Rice’s professionalism and calm presence have also made him one of the most respected figures in the dressing room.

Rice’s Leadership and Influence at Arsenal

Before his move to North London, Rice had already built a reputation as a natural leader during his time at West Ham United, where he captained the side and became one of their standout performers. His leadership qualities have since carried over to Arsenal, where he has quickly become one of the most vocal and dependable figures in the squad. Over the summer, there were even suggestions that he should be considered for the captaincy, a testament to how well regarded he has become among his peers.

Rice’s influence extends beyond tactics and performances. His character, commitment, and ability to motivate others have strengthened the collective spirit within the team. Arsenal’s players often speak about the unity within the squad, and Rice’s presence has played a key role in fostering that togetherness.

Saka’s Praise for His Teammate

As quoted by Talk Sport, Saka shared glowing praise for his teammate, saying, “Yeah, I think with Decs, he’s not only a great player, but he’s a great leader. Obviously, he was captain at West Ham and even around Arsenal, you know, he’s a big leader. He’s a guy who takes a lot of responsibility in the change room and gets the boys going. So, credit to him for that, and of course, he’s doing that here now as well. So it’s just a credit to him. He’s in really good form, really good moment, and happy to be his teammate.”

Saka’s comments reflect the respect and admiration Rice commands within the Arsenal camp. The pair have developed an excellent understanding on the pitch, complementing each other’s playing styles while driving the team’s performances to new levels. As Arsenal continue to challenge for major honours, the partnership between Saka and Rice looks set to remain one of the defining strengths of Arteta’s side.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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