‘I’ve faced the likes of De Bruyne and Gundogan before, but I must admit He is the best I’ve ever met’: Karl Robinson names Arsenal’s star as the best player he’s ever faced in his coaching career.
Karl Robinson, the current Salford City manager, has pinpointed Declan Rice as one of the most formidable players he encountered in his coaching career, placing him in the esteemed company of Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan. Since his high-profile transfer to Arsenal in the summer, Rice has proven to be an exceptional addition, defying the challenges that often accompany hefty price tags exceeding £100 million. Despite the pressure, Rice’s performance for Arsenal this season has been nothing short of brilliant.
Robinson, recalling his time as part of Sam Allardyce’s coaching staff during a stint as caretaker manager at Leeds United, expressed his lack of surprise at the 24-year-old’s success at the Emirates. The encounter with Rice’s West Ham side in one of the final games of the previous season left a lasting impression on Robinson. Speaking to The Telegraph, he lauded the midfielder’s outstanding performance at the London Stadium, solidifying Rice’s status as one of the top players Robinson has faced in his coaching career.