Declan Rice is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s most important players.
Indeed, Rice has earned tons of praise since signing for Arsenal a couple of years ago, and the midfielder has been incredibly consistent again this season.
However, Rice apparently isn’t a part of the leadership group behind the scenes at Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka are said to be in Arsenal’s leadership group, and, upon hearing that Rice wasn’t a part of that team, Chris Sutton shared his shock.
Indeed, speaking on It’s All Kicking Off, Chris Sutton shared his dismay after hearing that Rice isn’t in the leadership group.
Chris Sutton shocked Declan Rice isn’t in Arsenal leadership group
Sutton and his co-host spoke about the leadership dynamics at Arsenal.
The host had been told that Declan Rice isn’t in the leadership group at Arsenal, much to the bemusement of Sutton.
Rice has been praised for his leadership in recent times, and he’s even been tipped as a future England captain, so this is a shock.
“I watched it on Saturday lunchtime. So no Odegaard, he’s the Arsenal captain, he didn’t play, no Odegaard. Captain for the day was Jorginho, which made me wonder what Declan Rice needs to do to get the armband at Arsenal,” The host said.
“I mentioned this to our resident Arsenal expert, Henry, our producer, who assures me in good faith that the Arsenal leadership group is Odegaard, Jorginho, Gabriel and Saka. Why on earth is Declan Rice not higher up that list? Is that puzzling to you as it is to me?”
“I think so. People view captaincy in different ways these days. Well, I think it’s important,” Sutton said.
I think more importantly, he leads by example on the pitch. He seems very vocal. Odegaard can be their best player.”
“Yeah. I get that. All these leadership groups, I’m not totally sure about them.
Maybe it’s just a phase football’s going through with this sort of thing. But yeah, I agree with what you’re saying. But you don’t need a title, do you, to be a captain, to be a leader?
“That would be my point. I don’t think Declan Rice is going to be too upset about it, but I am surprised that he’s not in the group just like you are.”
When Declan Rice could join Arsenal’s leadership group
As Sutton says, it is shocking to hear that Rice isn’ a part of the leadership team at Arsenal, but that’s something that could soon change.
Rice is, logically, the next player who would be added to this group. After all, Rice has been tipped as a future Arsenal captain, and that change may come this summer.
Indeed, Jorginho is set to leave Arsenal this summer, leaving Arsenal one man down in their core leadership team.
Jorginho’s role in this mix will need replacing, and Rice is surely the player Mikel Arteta will turn to here.
Sutton is shocked that Rice isn’t already in the Arsenal leadership group, but that should change come the end of the season when Jorginho departs.
Arsenal have a number of solid leaders in their squad, that’s for sure.
