Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has expressed his excitement about the possibility of seeing summer signing Declan Rice partnering with Thomas Partey in midfield this season.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United last year in a deal potentially worth £105 million, has emerged as a key player under Mikel Arteta. The 25-year-old has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge against Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as their progression to the UEFA Champions League last-16 stage.
Having started 32 of his 34 appearances across all competitions this season, Rice has contributed four goals and five assists while primarily operating in a holding midfield role.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Silva emphasized Rice’s importance to Arsenal this season. He stated (via The Boot Room):
“I’d highlight Rice as the key man, he’s adapted very well. He’s a great boss and I’m looking forward to seeing him play with Partey. I think they could complement each other like me and [Patrick] Vieira.”
Partey, who made 40 appearances for Arsenal last season, has been sidelined with a thigh injury since October. The 30-year-old has only made five appearances this season, including four in the Premier League, but has recently returned to training.
Silva, who formed a formidable midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira between 2002 and 2005, played alongside Vieira for 6,055 minutes across 78 games for Arsenal.
