Football Rice is one of the world's best midfielders, says Arsenal boss

MIKEL Arteta hailed Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the world after his second-half double in Arsenal's 3-2 comeback win against Bournemouth.

- Philip BROWN

Arsenal had to do it the hard way at the Vitality Stadium when Gabriel's miscued pass allowed Evanilson to put Bournemouth ahead after just 10 minutes. Gabriel then equalised for the visitors six minutes later.

Rice, who was unable to play any part in Arsenal's win against Aston Villa just five days ago with a knee injury, scored his first goal nine minutes after the interval, and then added a second after 71 minutes - his first brace in 296 Premier League appearances.

The England international has been a standout performer for Arteta’s Premier League title-chasing side this season.

When asked if he now considers Rice among the best in the world in his position, Arteta said: “For me, yes.

“Declan is constantly adding things to his game, and his role in the team, and I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve.