Patrick Vieira believes playing as a number 8 suits Arsenal star Declan Rice much better
Arsenal are playing Paris Saint-Germain in the second-leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, and Patrick Vieira is confident his former team can book a place in the finals despite losing 1-0 at Emirates Stadium last time out.
The Gunners have received a timely boost as Thomas Partey will be available for the trip to Parc des Princes after he was suspended for the first-leg, and his return will be good for Declan Rice.
The England international midfielder had to be more careful against PSG last week in the absence of the Ghana international, but his availability tomorrow means Rice should return to the number 8 role – which Vieira believes is his best.
“I don’t like to make comparisons, because I think we are all different with our strengths and weaknesses,” Vieira told The Telegraph.
“But I think first is all the credit with the manager, with Mikel [Arteta], because I think from Declan being a holding midfielder, he went a little bit more as the eight. I think he saw the physical side of him doing the box-to-box and to be the player who can get to the box, in with the second line, and then can score goals.
“I think the change of position is quite important, so credit to Mikel for that. And then, of course, he is the player that I love watching. I love his spirit. I love his competitiveness. I like the fact that he’s always going forward and he is a winner.
“I think this position, No 8, suits him much better, because previously you can say ‘OK, he may play with the handbrake’. But playing as a No 8 and having this will to go to the box and score goals. I think this is something that suits his style of play.”
Rice impressed in the role against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, grabbing a brace to help Arsenal demolish the La Liga club 3-0 in the first-leg, and playing him there tomorrow could be crucial as the Gunners plot a comeback against PSG. The French club boast a solid midfield too as seen in the first-leg, and the visitors will need to be on top of their game individually and collectively if they are to book a spot in the finals.
Arsenal will fancy their chances, but they have a tough challenge on their hands and fans will hope Rice and Co can produce some moments of magic to get the job done.
