Rice credits Arteta and Jover for set-piece transformation

Rice credits Arteta and Jover for set-piece transformation

Rice believes supporters should be excited by England’s dead-ball threat after his delivery helped drive the 4-2 win over Croatia.

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Declan Rice says Mikel Arteta and Nico Jover saw a set-piece quality in him that others had missed, with the Arsenal midfielder now feeling he can create a chance “every time” he takes a corner or wide free-kick.

Rice was central to England’s set-piece threat in their 4-2 win over Croatia, with one of his corners producing Harry Kane’s headed goal.

Kane’s first, from the penalty spot, also came after Noni Madueke was fouled following a Rice cross.

That danger will have looked familiar to Arsenal supporters.

Rice, 27, was part of an Arsenal side that scored a record 19 goals from corners in their title-winning season, and 25 set-piece goals in total.

That strength brought some bitter criticism, but it also became one of the defining parts of Arsenal’s game.

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Rice became Arsenal’s main set-piece taker in January 2024 after a mid-season camp in Dubai, with Jover’s influence clear in the routines that followed.

“Everyone’s enjoying [set-pieces] now, aren’t they?” Rice said. “Everyone’s enjoying them now.

“I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but Nico [Jover] and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice added.

“They said that I can put balls in areas from a dead ball that no-one else can in the team at Arsenal other than Bukayo. From that moment, I really just bought into that, believed in that.

“As time has gone on, every time I put down a ball for a set-piece – whether it’s a corner or a wide free-kick – I feel like I’m going to get an assist or make something happen that’s dangerous.

“That’s a good mentality to have over set-pieces… and England fans can be excited.”

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