Hoddle hails Rice as PL's 'most effective player' after Leeds win

Credit: Getty Images

Glenn Hoddle has labelled Declan Rice the 'most effective player' in the Premier League, with Ray Parlour urging Arsenal to get a new contract for the midfielder over the line as soon as possible.

Arsenal came from behind to beat Daniel Farke's Leeds 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. James Justin had given the visitors an early lead before Riccardo Calafiori levelled things up, and substitute Bruno Guimaraes struck the winner with 20 minutes remaining.

Rice started the match having missed England's fixtures during the international break, and was central to Arsenal's second goal, backheeling the ball into Guimaraes' path for the Brazilian to finish clinically.

Hoddle's verdict on Rice

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Hoddle was full of praise for the 26-year-old's all-round display. 'That's the beauty of Rice,' he said. 'One minute he's blocking the ball on the line or the edge of the box, saving the day defensively, the next he can come up with a bit of skill when he's released and allowed to go play a little bit with more freedom.'

'He had a lovely bit of skill on the byline where he dummied, came in and nearly scored. For me, he's the most effective player in the PL, he can do anything, he can play anywhere and he will give you a 9/10 every week. He is a very good player.'

Parlour calls for new deal

Mikel Arteta signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates this week, with reports suggesting Arsenal are also closing in on tying Rice down to fresh terms. Former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour used Rice's display against Leeds to push the club to finalise that deal without delay.

'We talk about Arteta's new contract, I think he will be the next one,' Parlour said. 'You need to tie him down because I think he only has two years left on his contract. I think there are talks now so Declan Rice will be the next one to get a bumper deal.'

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in the summer of 2023 and has quickly established himself as one of the most important figures in Arteta's squad, operating as a defensive midfielder while regularly contributing in the final third. Saturday's assist for Guimaraes was a reminder of that dual threat, with Hoddle's comments, reported by Metro, underlining the regard in which he is held across the league.

With contract talks reportedly underway, attention will now turn to whether Arsenal can get a new deal agreed before speculation around Rice's future gathers pace.