Patrick Vieira tips Declan Rice to reignite Arsenal trophy hopes
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes Declan Rice has the necessary leadership qualities to rescue the club’s faltering season and secure major silverware.
The Gunners have endured a dismal recent spell, suffering eliminations from both domestic cup competitions before a shock Premier League defeat by Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side now face a pivotal Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP, holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first encounter.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the crucial European tie at Emirates Stadium, the legendary French midfielder urged the current squad to remember their early-season form.
Arsenal urged to rediscover early-season momentum
“I think I would remind them about what they’ve been doing since the first game of the season,” Vieira said.
“I would remind them that the majority of the coaches and the teams will want to be in their shoes.”
The former Invincibles skipper acknowledged the recent dip in performances, citing mounting injury problems and a drop in individual levels.
“It’s true that they’re having a really difficult run at the moment, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t win it,” he added.
Rice and Gabriel identified as crucial leaders
To navigate this challenging period, the 48-year-old insists that senior figures within the dressing room must now step forward.
He specifically highlighted the England international midfielder alongside Brazilian defender Gabriel as the necessary catalysts.
“I don’t know how he is in the dressing room but something I like on the field, he is the engine of the team, the drive of the team,” Vieira noted regarding the former West Ham captain.
“His natural leadership will be really important for the rest of the season.”
A return to attacking fundamentals
Beyond individual mentalities, the three-time Premier League winner also questioned recent tactical adjustments at his former employer.
He noted a concerning shift towards sterile possession, urging a swift return to the clinical, forward-thinking approach that defined their dominant autumn displays.
It’s true that at the moment they are a little bit too much on having the possession but there’s not the end product.
Despite the recent domestic stumbles, belief remains high that this talented squad possesses the required quality to reach the latter stages of European competition.
