Declan Rice Names Arsenal Teammate who Made him Feel ‘unstoppable’

Declan Rice reveals Martin Zubimendi impact as Arsenal midfield partnership drives title and quadruple push

Declan Rice has revealed the teammate he credits for helping take his game to another level this season — and it is Arsenal £60m summer signing Martin Zubimendi.

The England international has dominated the 2025/26 campaign, anchoring Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the Premier League and driving their pursuit of a historic quadruple. Rice has controlled games, dictated tempo, delivered from set pieces and surged box-to-box with authority.

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Declan Rice unstoppable narrative is no longer hype — it is performance-driven dominance.

And Rice knows exactly who helped unlock it.

Speaking to The Sun candidly about his form, Rice named Zubimendi as a decisive influence on his performances.

He described the Spanish midfielder as a “massive help” this season and highlighted how their partnership has elevated his confidence, rhythm, and consistency.

Rice explained that once momentum builds, confidence follows — and that is when players begin to feel truly unstoppable.

He admitted there have been moments this season where he has stepped onto the pitch knowing he would dominate.

That belief, he says, has grown alongside Zubimendi’s arrival.

Why the partnership works

Zubimendi’s arrival from Real Sociedad transformed Arsenal’s midfield balance.

His positional discipline, calm distribution, and defensive intelligence allow Rice to operate with freedom rather than restraint.

The structure works because roles are clear:

Zubimendi anchors.
Rice attacks space.
Arsenal control games.

This dynamic has turned Arsenal’s midfield into one of the most complete units in Europe — physically dominant, tactically disciplined, and technically secure.

This is not accidental.

Mikel Arteta built the partnership intentionally — one controller, one driver.

Rice’s instinctive mentality to dominate duels and impose himself early in games now operates within a system that protects him structurally.

Zubimendi provides the platform.
Rice provides the impact.

The result is balance, not chaos.

Confidence as a performance weapon

Rice has always spoken about mindset as a key factor in his game.

Winning the first duel.
Winning the first header.
Setting the tone early.

Now, that mentality operates within a stable midfield structure that allows him to play on instinct instead of caution.

That is why his performances now look natural, not forced.

Dominance, not desperation.

With Arsenal still competing across all competitions, Rice has made it clear that team success comes before individual recognition.

Ballon d’Or talk may follow his performances, but his focus remains collective achievement.

This squad believes in something bigger than moments.

Belief is now structural, not emotional.

Bigger picture

Rice and Zubimendi are not just a partnership.

They are a system.

They represent the evolution of Arsenal’s midfield identity — from technical control to physical dominance with structure.

This is not a hot streak.

It is a foundation.

And as Arsenal chase silverware on every front, this midfield axis could define their season.

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