'It's very easy': Emmanuel Petit explains why Declan Rice is Player of the Season ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City stars
Arsenal star Declan Rice is a more worthy candidate for Player of the Season than his England teammates Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
That is the vision of gunners legend Emmanuel Petit, who believes the 24-year-old has shown why he is a £100 million player.
Rice has always been present during Mikel Arteta since arriving from West Ham last summer, contributing six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.
He has been a standout player in the Premier League leaders, with World Cup and Euro champions. little stating that he wishes he could have accompanied him in midfield.
Appearing on talkSPORT Drive, Petit insisted “it's very easy” who should win the award, leading co-host Andy Goldstein to claim it's a toss-up between the Manchester City forward Foden or Chelsea star palmer for him.
Not happy with his choice, the Frenchman responded: “No, come on, you're forgetting someone.”
Darren Bent Then Aston Villa insisted Olivia Watkins It was his choice, and Petit simply shook his head in disapproval.
He said: “Those guys have had a very good season, but I will say Declan Ricebecause he left his club, with 100 million pounds on his shoulders, and suddenly he was a huge success right away.
“And he's been wonderful and amazing all season, and I think he was probably the missing link from last season.
“I would like to be able to play with him in midfield because it would be a great pleasure to play alongside him.”
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Petit continued: “The energy he puts into his game, the standards, every game, the way he puts himself under pressure all the time.
“He never hides on the field, assuming responsibilities, he was born as a leader, he has a lot of quality that is reflected in his teammates.
“And he is calm, he never gets nervous, he always focuses on winning balls, winning games, trying to make a difference and hurt the opponent.
“That's how you win midfield (midfield battles) and that's how you win trophies.”
Rice will have another chance to impress against Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
Arsenal know it all, but a win could see City overtake them at the top if the Citizens emerge victorious at Nottingham Forest.
