Robert Pires Hails Declan Rice as Arsenal Modern-Day Legend, Comparable to Henry and Vieira

Arsenal icon Robert Pires hails Declan Rice as a modern-day legend capable of matching Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has delivered a glowing verdict on Declan Rice, placing the midfielder alongside club icons Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. The former Invincibles star believes Rice possesses the leadership, quality, and mentality required to drive Arsenal back to Premier League glory.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pires stressed that title-winning teams always rely on standout individuals — and insisted Rice now belongs in that elite bracket at the Emirates Stadium.

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“If you want to lift the trophy at the end of the season, you need a player like Declan Rice,” Pires said. “You need a Patrick Vieira, a Thierry Henry, a Tony Adams… and Declan Rice is in the same circle.”

Rice’s Influence Fuels Arsenal Title Charge

Arsenal currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, maintaining control of the title race after a tense 0-0 draw against Liverpool.

Since completing his £105 million move from West Ham United in 2023, Rice has become one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable performers. He rarely misses matches, sets the tempo in midfield, and claimed Arsenal Player of the Season last year — a reflection of his immediate impact.

Pires’ comparison carries weight given the stature of the players involved. Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, redefined attacking excellence during his dominant spell between 1999 and 2007. Patrick Vieira, the heartbeat of the Invincibles, embodied authority, aggression, and leadership while captaining Arsenal to multiple trophies.

Rice, according to Pires, mirrors Vieira’s influence more than Henry’s flair — controlling games, driving standards, and leading through performance rather than words.

One of Rice’s defining strengths lies in his versatility. The 26-year-old combines defensive discipline with progressive ball-carrying and goal contributions, making him central to Arteta’s tactical structure.

His performances have drawn admiration across the football world. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane recently labelled Rice “one of the top players in the world,” praising his humility, confidence, and ability to elevate teammates.

Pires Sees Familiar Title-Winning Signs

Pires remains confident Arsenal can sustain their challenge across multiple competitions. He admitted returning to the club brings back a familiar sense of belief and momentum.

“I’m always positive. I always have a good mood and good energy when I come back to Arsenal,” Pires added.

That optimism has grown after Arsenal’s dominant 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth, a match highlighted by Gabriel Martinelli’s first senior hat-trick.

The fact that a member of the Invincibles now places Rice alongside Arsenal’s greatest figures underlines how far the midfielder has progressed. Once viewed as a major financial gamble, Rice has instead become the foundation of Arteta’s project.

Should Arsenal finally win the Premier League after a two-decade wait, the Declan Rice legend narrative may no longer feel premature, but rather inevitable.

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