“Shut down” Rio Ferdinand reveals his text from Arsenal gem Declan Rice

The man of the moment is Arsenal’s summer signing Declan Rice. After he was signed in the summer as a £100m+ signing, it didn’t take long for the doubters to stop mentioning his price tag. Consistent performances where he’s the best player on the pitch have resulted in rival fans finally recognising his worth, if they hadn’t before the signing.

Rio Ferdinand heaps huge praise on Arsenal gem Declan Rice

Reflecting on the historic win for Arsenal at the weekend, Rio Ferdinand was the latest to add to the praise for Declan Rice. In the game against Man City, Rice was the best player on the pitch, and this was recognised by the Man United legend.

Rio said to Rice that it was a testament to his performances that nobody was speaking about his price tag, to which Rice replied the following:

"“Declan [Rice] said: ‘Come on, I was doing the same thing at West Ham, Ri, and no one wanted to speak about it'” – Rio Ferdinand (quoted by talkSPORT)"

Rice is spot on. It’s a testament to him that he hasn’t let the big move get to his head. He’s done the same things on the pitch that he’s always done and is only focused on playing his game to the best of his ability. Rio Ferdinand then heaped praise onto his countryman.

"“You see what [Rice] did on the edge of his own box yesterday a couple of times. He shut down the guy who came on as a sub, Matheus [Nunes]. He’s an unbelievable runner with the ball by the way. Declan said, ‘Just give me the ball man, give me the ball’.” – Rio Ferdinand"

It takes a legend of the game to recognise an upcoming legend of the game. If Declan Rice is to achieve his quest of becoming a legend at the Emirates Stadium, then high praise from the biggest profile players won’t be overlooked by him.

In other news, read what Cesc Fabregas had to say about Declan Rice.

What have you made of Declan Rice’s start to life at Arsenal?