Declan Rice on Arsenal being a ‘family’ and what is different about this season | OneFootball

Declan Rice hailed the current Arsenal squad and explained that they are like a “family” behind the scenes.

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, into the final of the EFL Cup, quarter-finals of the FA Cup and finished first in the Champions League group phase.

Rice has been a major part of this Arsenal team having already played 40 matches so far this season in all competitions. For his efforts he was presented with the London Football Award’s Player of the Year.

“It’s the third time I’ve won this,” he said. “To be picked by the panel, by the fans, is obviously very special. I’m up against other nominees who could have easily have won the award.

“Every season I go into trying to find ways how I can keep improving, keep evolving, and yeah, so far I’ve kept doing that, so I’ve just got to keep going.”

Arsenal finished second, 10 points behind Liverpool last season and failed to win any trophies. Rice explained the differences in the squad over the year.

“The injuries,” he answered. “Last year, the injuries killed us. I know a lot of teams this year have been having the same problem, so I can’t complain about that, but we lost a lot of key players last year.”

“We have an amazing squad this year. Players you can rely on in every position. Also, there’s a calmness. You go in every day, you see the boys. It’s not all serious. It’s calm, it’s relaxed.

“It’s like a family. You’re going in, everyone’s in their early 20s, no one’s really above 30. Everyone’s vibing. It’s a nice group to be around.

“We have such a good set of staff all around the building, every department. So everything’s been really good from start to start to now. We’re getting into the business end, which is the most important part now.”