How Declan Rice's new role has turned him into the Premier League assist king, saves him from burnout and reduces Arsenal's reliance on set-piece goals

Rice's tactical repositioning has transformed him into Arsenal's primary playmaker, reducing defensive burden and increasing his creative output.

Declan Rice's role at Arsenal has evolved significantly under Mikel Arteta. Once deployed as a defensive anchor and focal point for the team's structure, Rice has been repositioned into a more advanced, creative role that has unlocked his playmaking abilities. This shift has made him one of the Premier League's leading assist providers while simultaneously reducing the physical and mental toll of his previous defensive responsibilities. The new positioning also decreases Arsenal's tactical reliance on set-piece goals, diversifying their attacking approach. Arteta's tactical adjustment demonstrates how Rice's skillset extends beyond his traditional defensive midfield duties, allowing him to contribute more directly to Arsenal's attacking play while maintaining the team's structural integrity.