Declan Rice Arsenal Arteta tweak leaves midfielder feeling “unstoppable”

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says tactical adjustments from both Mikel Arteta and England coach Thomas Tuchel are unlocking his full potential and making him feel “unstoppable” on the pitch. The 26-year-old has been central to the Gunners’ strong start this season and carried that form into international duty, where he captained England in a 3-0 win over Wales at Wembley on Thursday.

Rice has explained that his transformation comes down to a positional tweak. Arteta has shifted him from a more rigid holding role into an advanced box-to-box position, giving him greater licence to roam. That freedom, mirrored by Tuchel with England, has allowed Rice to combine defensive steel with attacking runs into the final third.

The result has been a player operating with confidence and consistency, dictating matches at both club and international level. Rice admits he has felt the benefits physically and mentally, insisting that clarity of instruction from his managers has left him thriving in one of the most complete roles of his career so far.

After a strong finish to last season, Rice admitted he was frustrated by a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign. But he now believes his form has turned a corner, citing his fitness and confidence as key factors in recent performances.

“I feel really strong. I feel fit, really confident in my game and hopefully the only way is up from here for England and Arsenal,” he said.

His adaptation at Arsenal has been mirrored at international level, where he has struck up a promising partnership with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The 22-year-old has started England’s last three matches, and Rice credited his teammate’s energy and composure with allowing him to push forward more effectively.

Rice highlighted the balance Anderson brings to midfield: “We have built up a really strong relationship in midfield. We are playing closer together, he is letting me go forward a little bit more. We are building a nice little partnership.”

England boss Tuchel appears to agree, sticking with the duo in recent fixtures. With the World Cup on the horizon, Rice sees their chemistry as vital: “The manager has really liked us in the last three games and he has stuck with that. We’ve just got to keep building on that. The World Cup is still a long way to go, but the more we can play, the more momentum we build, the more important it will be.”

FootballPlace analyst John William believes the tactical shift has elevated Rice into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders:

“Rice has always had defensive discipline, but this freedom to advance adds another dimension to his game. Arsenal benefit from his late runs into the box, while England gain a leader who can both protect and penetrate. The word ‘unstoppable’ is not misplaced — he’s evolving into a world-class all-rounder.”

For Arsenal, Rice’s expanded role will be central to their Premier League and Champions League ambitions this autumn. Arteta’s tactical evolution is clearly designed to maximise his influence at both ends of the pitch.

For England, Tuchel’s trust in Rice-Anderson could define the midfield blueprint for next summer’s World Cup. If the pair continue to develop chemistry, Rice may arrive at the tournament in peak form and leadership mode.

👉 Has Mikel Arteta found the perfect role to unlock Declan Rice’s full potential at Arsenal?