A simply incredible video, Harv. Thank you so much. This is why we all appreciate the channel so much. Your analysis and way you speak about the game is not just super insightful, but it’s done with a unique style, a real character and eloquence. Hope Rice sees this!❤
The one thing that surprises me so much about his play since his arrival at Arsenal is how good a of set piece taker he is. Idk how good he was at west ham if any but bar saka he’s genuinely our best set piece taker
He’s such a gifted ball-striker, and it’s gone under the radar for so many. Of course, none of us expected us to create set-piece routines where our takers drop missiles on a six-pence (😂), but yeah, it’s a complete myth that he’s not technically gifted. Guy is special. Want him to shoulder even more responsibility now.
Great vid mate, really enjoyed the analysis. Imo Rice is the best all round MF in the prem and one of his best qualities is that ability to be effective in a variety of roles. It gives us plenty of options depending on opposition, tactics, game management etc
Thanks so much mate, so kind of you to leave a comment. So much flexibility for sure. And if we sign someone like Zubimendi, that obviously gives Rice a complimentary partner, but it also doesn’t shoehorn us one way or another. Zubi won’t be a best fit for every game, the same way Jorginho isn’t. As we pass the bedding in stage, let’s see Rice take that top spot for world midfielders!!!
He's still at his best being a DM in a double pivot or as a lone DM in a counterattacking team. Playing him as a box to box takes him away from what he's really good at, which is defending. His immense work rate makes up for his lack of actual attacking ability, but it makes him even more tired and can keep him too far from a defensive transition. He doesn't have an eye for a pass and his in box presence is okay(?) so to speak. I thought he'd be capable of doing a transformation like his idol Yaya, but he's been far from an upgrade on Xhaka whose only flaw in this system was his mobility.
Love the vid, Deccers is a unicorn profile, so complete, personally think he retires as at minimum top 3 holding midfielders of all time and I don't think he'll be 3rd or 2nd
I love this video. Rice is a Swiss Army knife on steroids, covers everything. What I also get from this is just how amazing Lewis-Skelly is. We don’t speak about him as a young player anymore…..is he actually our first choice LB now?
Thanks so much again mate, truly. Honestly, I started laughing when Myles took the ball in the first 30s and broke their whole pressing structure in the most laid back, unbothered way. It was the only viable reaction 😂😂😂 Think he’s super important vs a City press that can lack intensity at times on Sunday. Glad he’s available. I think at the moment he is, but both him and Cala offer vastly different things, and both also have a good chance of long term being somewhere else on the pitch (Cala LCB potential)
This gur runs on fumes more than 90% of the league on a full tank!! Hes an absolute physical monster.. unfortunately hes not a lone 6 in a top team, his ball progressing isnt good enough... Hense zubamendi incoming.. but off the ball hes the best.. covering space hes just a fucking machine... Hes a double pivot player or an 8.. simple
Thank you for your video and other videos. Do you have specific frameworks that guide your analysis of "Artetaball"? To me, it feels like you can unpack "Artetaball" so intriguingly, because you understand how to spot it, think it, etc. Would it also be a correct observation that you might say your ability to appreciate and unpack "Artetaball" is because you are a part of a minority who interpret football in a certain way (a minority which includes analysts like yourself, managers like Arteta and some others)? Just on that previous paragraph: I don't refer to it as Artetaball because I think Arteta is the architect of the football Arsenal as a result now play, because surely there is a convention (be it a minority) who understand football as you do, as Arteta does, etc. I just say Artetaball, because it's the only way I know how to attribute to a philosophy of football that (to me) seems quite distinct and uncommon, where the manager comes across as a bastion and pioneer for talking about football and expressing football in a way counter to what I think is typical around the world. Hopefully that makes sense. I remember watching a video where you explained that the style pioneered, for example, through Arteta, and resultingly reflected in Arsenal's style of play, is going to inform future manager's, analysts and enthusiasts in a way of seeing football that is breaking the mould. You said it much better, though. I feel like watching your videos, for instance, is how I am learning to think of football as Arteta does and as others who think like him, do.
People assume a double pivot must come from a midfield two. Any reason Rice can't be an effective 6 and double pivot with a Zinchenko or MLS inverting from lb where Rice can drive forward with runs and dribbles while the MLS type can ping the line breaking balls and metronomic passing?
@harveygration agreed. Arsenal fans can be an odd bunch. Last season Partey was absolutely finished and Rice was the 6 to take us forwards. Now Partey is irreplaceable and Rice can't play 6 to save his life. I love Declan in the 6. He doesn't have the deep playmaker range but as a sweeper he is the best in the world. MLS, White and Saliba can do the playmaking.
Rice as a 6 at Arsenal won’t work. Exactly why Partey keeps playing that role. Arteta’s 6 should be flexible enough to evade the press and not just pass from the build up stage. Also, Rice isn’t used to Arsenal’s high containing play in the opponents half. At West Ham it was more of a double pivot with a 10 ahead of them. At Arsenal it’s more tactical in each phase of play. Plus, West Ham defends for larger parts of games compared to Arsenal.. The only way is to utilize his energy and build in the left half space in attack as he’s doing currently
Couple of things: 1. Rice plays the 6 to a top standard. 2.When he plays there he is always going to have players close by, it’s why 3. Zubimendi compliments him so well. Gives him the build up, sitty partner, and when Rice’s legs go in a decade he’ll be more than capable of doing a more static, passy job. Just my opinion though. But it’s important to say our 6 always plays with players close by, and with players close by who, in possession take on the role of the 6 oftentimes too!!
A simply incredible video, Harv. Thank you so much. This is why we all appreciate the channel so much. Your analysis and way you speak about the game is not just super insightful, but it’s done with a unique style, a real character and eloquence. Hope Rice sees this!❤
Far, far, far too kind. Cant thank you enough. That is exactly what I’m aiming for xx
Declan is really maturing in the team as a leader. Awesome analysis Harvey. Weldone my friend
Thanks so much James ❤️
The one thing that surprises me so much about his play since his arrival at Arsenal is how good a of set piece taker he is. Idk how good he was at west ham if any but bar saka he’s genuinely our best set piece taker
He’s such a gifted ball-striker, and it’s gone under the radar for so many. Of course, none of us expected us to create set-piece routines where our takers drop missiles on a six-pence (😂), but yeah, it’s a complete myth that he’s not technically gifted. Guy is special. Want him to shoulder even more responsibility now.
Great vid mate, really enjoyed the analysis.
Imo Rice is the best all round MF in the prem and one of his best qualities is that ability to be effective in a variety of roles. It gives us plenty of options depending on opposition, tactics, game management etc
Thanks so much mate, so kind of you to leave a comment.
So much flexibility for sure. And if we sign someone like Zubimendi, that obviously gives Rice a complimentary partner, but it also doesn’t shoehorn us one way or another. Zubi won’t be a best fit for every game, the same way Jorginho isn’t. As we pass the bedding in stage, let’s see Rice take that top spot for world midfielders!!!
He's still at his best being a DM in a double pivot or as a lone DM in a counterattacking team. Playing him as a box to box takes him away from what he's really good at, which is defending. His immense work rate makes up for his lack of actual attacking ability, but it makes him even more tired and can keep him too far from a defensive transition. He doesn't have an eye for a pass and his in box presence is okay(?) so to speak. I thought he'd be capable of doing a transformation like his idol Yaya, but he's been far from an upgrade on Xhaka whose only flaw in this system was his mobility.
Love the vid, Deccers is a unicorn profile, so complete, personally think he retires as at minimum top 3 holding midfielders of all time and I don't think he'll be 3rd or 2nd
Thanks ever so much. So glad you enjoyed. Hes just elite at so much.
I love this video. Rice is a Swiss Army knife on steroids, covers everything. What I also get from this is just how amazing Lewis-Skelly is. We don’t speak about him as a young player anymore…..is he actually our first choice LB now?
Thanks so much again mate, truly. Honestly, I started laughing when Myles took the ball in the first 30s and broke their whole pressing structure in the most laid back, unbothered way. It was the only viable reaction 😂😂😂
Think he’s super important vs a City press that can lack intensity at times on Sunday. Glad he’s available.
I think at the moment he is, but both him and Cala offer vastly different things, and both also have a good chance of long term being somewhere else on the pitch (Cala LCB potential)
@ oh yeah I love Cala…..interested to see what happens with him. I just think MLS has exceeded all expectations for Mikel……Saka vibes!
For sure mate. Cant believe the speed of development!
His performance is very under the radar. People around him always get the flower but he delivers top performance every time
Harvvvvvvvey Gyrationnn you got my hips swaying lad much love form toronto
This gur runs on fumes more than 90% of the league on a full tank!! Hes an absolute physical monster.. unfortunately hes not a lone 6 in a top team, his ball progressing isnt good enough... Hense zubamendi incoming.. but off the ball hes the best.. covering space hes just a fucking machine... Hes a double pivot player or an 8.. simple
Good video again, Harvey.
Thanks Leon🫡
@harveygration What do you think of the Ollie Watkins rumors? Would you take him?
Hmmmmm, not sure as of right now it would be the best use of funds. But would I take him? Absolutely.
he doesnt have line breaking passes, he is best as 8, might work as double pivot 6, but nowhere near single pivot party 6
He will become the best midfielder. Just watch
Thank you for your video and other videos.
Do you have specific frameworks that guide your analysis of "Artetaball"? To me, it feels like you can unpack "Artetaball" so intriguingly, because you understand how to spot it, think it, etc.
Would it also be a correct observation that you might say your ability to appreciate and unpack "Artetaball" is because you are a part of a minority who interpret football in a certain way (a minority which includes analysts like yourself, managers like Arteta and some others)?
Just on that previous paragraph: I don't refer to it as Artetaball because I think Arteta is the architect of the football Arsenal as a result now play, because surely there is a convention (be it a minority) who understand football as you do, as Arteta does, etc. I just say Artetaball, because it's the only way I know how to attribute to a philosophy of football that (to me) seems quite distinct and uncommon, where the manager comes across as a bastion and pioneer for talking about football and expressing football in a way counter to what I think is typical around the world. Hopefully that makes sense.
I remember watching a video where you explained that the style pioneered, for example, through Arteta, and resultingly reflected in Arsenal's style of play, is going to inform future manager's, analysts and enthusiasts in a way of seeing football that is breaking the mould. You said it much better, though. I feel like watching your videos, for instance, is how I am learning to think of football as Arteta does and as others who think like him, do.
People assume a double pivot must come from a midfield two. Any reason Rice can't be an effective 6 and double pivot with a Zinchenko or MLS inverting from lb where Rice can drive forward with runs and dribbles while the MLS type can ping the line breaking balls and metronomic passing?
Can’t believe people think he can’t play as a pure 6😂 I’d still put a good case together for that being his best position
@harveygration agreed. Arsenal fans can be an odd bunch. Last season Partey was absolutely finished and Rice was the 6 to take us forwards. Now Partey is irreplaceable and Rice can't play 6 to save his life. I love Declan in the 6. He doesn't have the deep playmaker range but as a sweeper he is the best in the world. MLS, White and Saliba can do the playmaking.
Declan glaze is unreal
😭😭😭😭
One player who deserves the glaze is Declan Rice. The most complete midfielder in the world.
Rice as a 6 at Arsenal won’t work. Exactly why Partey keeps playing that role. Arteta’s 6 should be flexible enough to evade the press and not just pass from the build up stage. Also, Rice isn’t used to Arsenal’s high containing play in the opponents half. At West Ham it was more of a double pivot with a 10 ahead of them. At Arsenal it’s more tactical in each phase of play. Plus, West Ham defends for larger parts of games compared to Arsenal.. The only way is to utilize his energy and build in the left half space in attack as he’s doing currently
Couple of things: 1. Rice plays the 6 to a top standard. 2.When he plays there he is always going to have players close by, it’s why 3. Zubimendi compliments him so well. Gives him the build up, sitty partner, and when Rice’s legs go in a decade he’ll be more than capable of doing a more static, passy job.
Just my opinion though. But it’s important to say our 6 always plays with players close by, and with players close by who, in possession take on the role of the 6 oftentimes too!!
If the saudis want martinelli please sell him.. get a 60mil and bring in a better winger
And he plays so well when Partey is part of the midfield.
Hes overrated