‘Maybe one day I’ll win the Ballon d’Or’ – Owen Hargreaves and Martin Keown talk about Arsenal’s ‘must-see’ star Declan Rice as the Premier League title hangs in the balance

Rice has been a key player for the Gunners this season and is one of the favorites for the PFA Player of the Year award.

And Rice’s performances have been a central reason for their success, with the England international continuing to shine at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s side.

The former Manchester United star believes Rice’s best quality is his “consistency” and believes if he continues to develop he could one day win individual honors in Europe.

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Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves recalled the first time he met Rice when he was at West Ham, saying:

“He could be the player of the season, the way he’s improved since he’s been here.

“One of the producers asked me, ‘What do you like most about Declan?’ And I said, ‘He’s consistent.’

“Then I asked Mikel the same thing. He said, ‘What do you like most about Declan?'” And he said, “He’s consistent.”

“And I asked Declan the same thing and he said the same thing.

“It’s amazing. Everyone said the same thing. As a fan, it’s great to come and watch this team play, but you know what you’re going to get from Declan every game.”

“And I think that’s very valuable. He’s just a special player. And what’s amazing to me is that he just keeps getting better and better.

“But he has put himself in this position and continues to get better.”

“Details under the hood”

Fellow TNT Sports expert Keown agreed with Hargreaves’ opinion on Rice, adding:

“When he runs with the ball and runs with pace in the final third.

“I think with Zvimendi with him it was never about one player, it freed him up and allowed him to come forward and become a more versatile midfield player.

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“He was great and when he is gone you realize what a huge loss he is to the football club.

“His return to midfield today is very important for Arsenal to retain possession.”