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According to The Telegraph, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has always known that he can do more on the field. Since joining Arsenal, his position and role on the pitch have been quietly evolving.

As early as March 2021, he tried to show the world that he is capable of creating more goals and assists, proving that he is more than just a defensive midfielder.

He stated three years ago, "I think a lot of people see me as a simple, basic player, one who receives the ball, passes it, and protects the defense. But I know, my teammates know, and the coach also knows what I am capable of. I want to show people that I can be passionate too."

In his eight months at Arsenal, Rice is now fully utilizing his attacking potential. In recent weeks, the English midfielder has been set free by Arteta, instructed to advance forward and threaten opponents. This new role has allowed him to thrive.

In the match against Brentford on Saturday, Rice became Arsenal's most advanced player after scoring a powerful header, giving Arteta's team the lead. This was his sixth goal of the season, making it his most prolific season in his career, with three goals in the last six games.

Rice is not only creating goals. He is also creating opportunities, with four assists since being responsible for set pieces in January. Furthermore, his ability to make runs and break through the opponent's midfield is evident.

In his younger days, Rice studied players like Yaya Toure and Patrick Vieira, midfield conquerors who could do it all. While he displayed glimpses of this athleticism and running capability at West Ham, it often needed to be managed cautiously. His defensive duties always took precedence.

However, in recent Arsenal matches, Rice has had the chance to roam freely. This is largely due to the presence of the orchestrator Joao Moutinho in Arteta's team. Rice's desire to advance reflects Arsenal's control of the game, forcing opponents deep into their half. During the eight-game winning streak in the league, Arsenal had an average possession rate of 65%.Rice's attacking evolution is rapidly underway. In the last three games, he has touched the ball 13 times in the opponent's box. In the first five league games of 2024, he only touched the ball once in the opponent's box. From Arsenal's perspective, this player is quickly and excitingly becoming a different vital force.This season, Rice has contributed 12 goals (six goals, six assists). His previous best performance in a season was nine, achieved in his final two seasons at West Ham. Rice joined Arsenal because he believed Arteta could take him to new heights, and so far, his belief has been proven right.This is not to say he will be an all-around player every week. Rice's primary position is still a defensive midfielder, which is where he feels most comfortable. However, due to Moutinho's smart positioning in midfield and Rice's development in the attacking third, Arteta has not needed to alter the team's tactical setup.In his current role as a "number 8," Rice can prove himself as a complete player. He is part defensive midfielder, part creative organizer, and as he showed in the goals against Brentford and Sheffield United, even part forward. Considering he is also a backup option at center-back (a role he has played in the Champions League this season), it is easy to see why Arsenal values him at £105 million.It is clear that Rice has become a game-changer for Arsenal in recent months. Perhaps even more interestingly, Arsenal is now proving that Rice is the one changing the game. He is evolving before our eyes, adjusting his style and showcasing the attacking talent that has been waiting to burst out for years.