Sunderland star in awe of ‘really special’ Arsenal man who’s favourite to win prestigious award | OneFootball

Sunderland midfielder, Noah Sadiki, lavished an Arsenal ace with special praise, and the Gunners man is currently odds-on favourite to scoop a top individual award.

Sadiki has made an instant impact in the Premier League since arriving from Belgian side Union SG last summer. The combative central midfielder has been a mainstay in Regis Le Bris’ side and his early showings have even prompted talk of a quick exit to Manchester United at season’s end.

Sadiki had the opportunity to test himself against the league’s best on Saturday afternoon when his Sunderland side squared off against Arsenal.

For Sadiki to help his side produce a positive result, he needed to get the better of his direct counterpart in Arsenal’s XI – Declan Rice.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, The Gunners proved too strong and advanced their title hopes when securing all three points.

But speaking pre-match, Sadiki was well aware of the challenge he faced when talking up the Arsenal and England midfielder.

“Rice is really special to play one-on-one against,” Sadiki told Belgian outlet Voetbal Primeur.

“At first, I wondered: do I run as much as he does? He runs a lot, but he also runs fast. He always chooses the right pass, he does everything at the right tempo, you see.

“Only good players play in the Premier League, really impressive.”

Much was made of the colossal £105m (add-ons included) fee Rice cost when bought from West Ham.

Yet if he wasn’t already, he’s quickly proven he’s among the league’s best midfielders and his all-around game has developed since moving to north London.

And with Arsenal heavy favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, the PFA player of the year award is expected to go to one of their stars.

As it stands right now, Rice is the overwhelming favourite to scoop that prestigious honour. If doing so, he’d become the first Arsenal star to win the award since Robin van Persie back in 2012.

In other news, the agent of rising Belgium star Mika Godts – who’s been dubbed the new Eden Hazard – has discussed his client’s future amid interest from major clubs such including Arsenal.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are ready to push the button and ‘break the bank’ for the signing of a €100m-plus striker, and TEAMtalk has been informed on which two Gunners stars could be used as makeweights to lower the overall cost of the deal.