Yaya Touré: Declan Rice reminds me of myself and has the mentality to develop even more | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been drawing attention for his performances, and now he’s caught the eye of a Premier League legend.

Yaya Touré, one of the league’s greatest midfielders, sees shades of his own game in Rice, praising his physical attributes, mentality, and ability to develop into one of the best in his position.

Manchester City’s Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure enters the pitch prior to the friendly football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg on August 7, 2016. (Photo credit JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking about Rice’s potential, Touré said: “Declan Rice reminds me of myself because I think he has the capacity, the ability, the physical ability as well. To do it week in week out is difficult and very demanding, but he can do it.”

Rice has been in the spotlight since joining Arsenal, with his work ethic and adaptability in midfield proving crucial for both club and country.

Despite a slower start to the season, Rice has shown signs of getting back to his best, as demonstrated in his strong performance for England against the Republic of Ireland where he scored and assisted in their 2-0 win.

Touré praises Rice’s mentality to improve

Declan Rice with his PFA Team of the Year award (Photo via PFA on Twitter)

What impresses Yaya Touré most about Rice is his hunger for growth. “I love when players want to develop and Declan has the mentality to do it,” he said.

Touré, who dominated the Premier League during his time at Manchester City, understands the demands of excelling in top-flight football, and he believes Rice is well-equipped to meet those challenges.

Rice himself recently admitted that his form had been slow to build after a late return to Arsenal following the Euros. However, after putting in a solid shift for England against Ireland, Rice said, “Obviously I came back to Arsenal late (after the Euros). To be honest, I’ve not been feeling 100 per cent fit so far. Kind of been doing my pre-season in the Premier League.

“Today I feel like I took a real step. I was feeling back to myself, feeling springy, feeling like I can run around the pitch, feeling more powerful.”

Touré on the Rodri comparison: Rice needs to win more trophies

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates having won the penalty shoot out ahead of a dejected Rodri of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

While Rice’s talent is undeniable, Touré also pointed out the stiff competition he faces from Rodri, the standout holding midfielder from Manchester City when it comes to being the best defensive midfielder in the league. “He’s competing with Rodri,” Touré said. “You can’t underestimate Rodri for what he’s done and what he’s achieved with Man City and now with Spain. He’s a good player. He’s a competitor.”

Touré acknowledged that the difference between Rice and Rodri at this stage lies in the number of trophies each has won. “Those two are there, but Rodri has been winning more trophies than Declan. This year Declan has to change that. Winning trophies makes the difference.”

Indeed, Rice’s ambitions to be considered among the best in his position will be tied to Arsenal’s success this season. Touré believes that for Rice to truly stand out, he must lead Arsenal to silverware. “He needs to be in a winning team because the team that wins the league has the best players.”

A comparison of playing styles: Rice vs. Rodri

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Rodri of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

While both Rice and Rodri operate in similar roles, Touré highlighted some key differences between their styles of play. “When you look at the details of Declan’s game in terms of winning the ball, running with the ball, going forward and dribbling, even assists, Declan is looking like what I was doing before. Trying to assist and dribble.”

Touré pointed out that Rodri’s strengths lie more in reading the game, controlling possession, and stopping counterattacks. “Rodri is more build-up, reading the game very well, stopping counter attacks, passing. That’s the difference between them.”

Rice’s versatility in midfield has been a key asset for Arsenal and England, but as Touré notes, the path to greatness will require consistency and success at the highest level.

For Rice, the challenge is not just individual performance but leading his team to titles.

Conclusion: Rice has the mentality to go further

Rice has the potential to cement himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, and with Yaya Touré’s glowing endorsement, it’s clear that the Arsenal man is on the right path.

But as Touré suggests, the next step for Declan Rice will be turning promise into trophies with Arsenal.

With the mentality to improve and a desire to succeed, Rice’s journey to the top is just getting started.