Michail Antonio: “Declan Rice is Not a No.6 – Arsenal Are Finally Using Him Right”
Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast, West Ham striker Michail Antonio offered an honest insight into his former teammate Declan Rice’s evolving role at Arsenal, boldly claiming that Rice is “not a number six.”
Following his £105 million switch from West Ham United, Rice was initially deployed as a holding midfielder by Mikel Arteta—shielding the back four and breaking up opposition attacks. But as the season progressed, the England international began playing higher up the pitch in a more dynamic No.8 role.
Antonio, who played alongside Rice for several seasons at West Ham, believes this is where Rice truly belongs.
“When he first came in he was quite nervous, but as he grew into himself—how he can drive forward with the ball, how technically good he is—I always knew he was not a number six,” said Antonio. “He’s quick, he’s fast, always breaking things down. But Dec, Declan is quality.”
Rice to Thrive Alongside Zubimendi?
With Arsenal securing the signing of Spanish deep-lying playmaker Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice may finally enjoy the freedom to operate as a true box-to-box midfielder. Zubimendi’s intelligence and composure at the base of midfield will allow Rice to focus more on progressive runs, driving the ball forward, and making late arrivals into the box.
Mikel Arteta is clearly building a midfield designed for balance, fluidity, and positional rotation—an ideal setup for a player of Rice’s dynamic and evolving profile.
Aiming Higher in 2025
Last season was Rice’s most productive campaign in front of goal. The 26-year-old finished with 9 goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances, according to Transfermarkt—outstanding numbers for a player once considered purely defensive.
As Arsenal gear up for their preseason tour of Asia, Rice is following a tailored fitness program to ensure he hits peak condition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. He’ll also be aiming to break the 20-goal contribution mark, a milestone that would cement his transition into a more advanced midfield role.
Fans could also see him link up with potential new signings Viktor Gyökeres and England teammate Noni Madueke—two exciting additions that would offer Rice more attacking options to feed from midfield.
Bottom Line:
Declan Rice is no longer just a destroyer. With his pace, power, and improving final-third output, the England star is redefining what a modern midfielder can be at Arsenal—and Michail Antonio saw it coming all along.
