Robert Pires says there’s one player at Arsenal who is ‘very complete’

Robert Pires praises Declan Rice

The French legend spoke about how this Arsenal team is similar to the Invincibles.

The former midfielder claims that this team has the same DNA as his former side, while he drew a comparison between Patrick Vieira and Declan Rice.

‘I think Arsenal have the same DNA (as the Invincibles).” Pires said.

“In my time with Arsene Wenger, it was to try to play good football. Today with Mikel Arteta, it’s the same. In my time, for example, I used to play with Patrick Vieira. He was very good. Today, for me, one of the best players is Declan Rice.

“When you have a player like this, you are more comfortable with your team. He can make the balance between the defence, between the attack. That’s why Declan is very good. He’s a modern midfielder. They have a lot of activity on the field. Technically, he’s very good. Good quality on the cross, at corners. He can create assists. He’s very complete.’

Rice and Vieira have been compared on numerous occasions, but to hear it directly from Pires is high praise considering how close he is to Vieira.

Robert Pires’ Champions League final verdict

Of course, this Arsenal team could surpass the Invincibles if they become European champions on Saturday.

Pires has played in a Champions League final for Arsenal before back in 2006, and while things didn’t go to plan on that occasion, he thinks Arsenal have a chance to right that wrong here.

‘Arsenal have a very good defence,’ Pires explains. ‘But when I talk about defence, it’s not only the four defenders and the goalkeeper. It’s the team, they work together. And for Arteta, that’s very important.

‘I think PSG are favourites because they have the best team in Europe. But Arsenal, they have a good argument to beat them. They have great players too.’

PSG are favourites to win at the weekend, but, as Pires says, it wouldn’t be a shock if Arsenal did come away victorious either.