Alan Smith Declares Rice Arsenal Irreplaceable Player This Season

Alan Smith insists midfielder Declan Rice remains the one Rice Arsenal irreplaceable player Arteta cannot lose in this season’s title push.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has declared that Declan Rice is the only truly irreplaceable player in Mikel Arteta’s squad this season. Speaking to Metro on Arsenal’s dominance so far, Smith stressed that the Rice Arsenal irreplaceable player is central to everything the team does, especially in their growing Premier League title pursuit.

Arsenal sit four points clear at the top after a strong start, boasting just one defeat and the league’s best defensive record. Yet Smith believes their success hinges on Rice’s availability more than any other player in the squad.

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Why Smith Says Rice Cannot Be Replaced

Smith explained that Rice’s importance goes far beyond standard midfield duties. He highlighted Rice’s defensive power, his ball recovery, and his leadership as the three qualities that separate him from every other midfielder in the squad. According to Smith, Rice offers a rare blend of physicality, intelligence, and consistency that no other Arsenal player can replicate.

Rice’s ability to win duels, control transitions, and dictate tempo has allowed Arsenal to dominate games and maintain control even under pressure. Smith believes this unique profile is exactly why Arsenal cannot afford to lose him for any extended period.

Arteta’s Tactical Dependence on Rice

Arteta’s system relies heavily on a commanding holding midfielder, and Rice provides the perfect anchor for Arsenal’s fluid, high-pressing style. With Rice locking down the midfield, creative players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka have the freedom to attack aggressively without leaving gaps behind.

Smith argued that without Rice, Arsenal’s shape, rhythm, and defensive structure would suffer significantly—especially in tough fixtures against Manchester City, Liverpool, or any high-intensity side capable of exploiting midfield weaknesses.

As Arsenal prepare for a crucial North London derby against Tottenham, all attention turns to Rice’s continued influence. Smith believes the midfielder’s presence could be the deciding factor between Arsenal lifting their first league title since 2004—or falling short once again.

He concluded that in a title race expected to go down to the wire, keeping Rice fit and firing could ultimately define Arsenal’s season.

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