After yesterday’s victory over Monaco in a penalty shootout, Declan Rice was extremely impressed with his comrade Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.
After receiving the captain’s armband for the first time last night, the 24-year-old forward posted on Instagram.
The graduate of the Arsenal academy leading the team in their final friendly was a moment to be proud of.
He completed the scoring in the first half, following Youssouf Fofana’s header for the game’s opening goal.
Eddie Nketiah might unexpectedly begin the upcoming season with more playing time than anticipated.
Mikel Arteta revealed that Gabriel Jesus had a minor operation that will keep him out of the lineup to start the season after he wasn’t named in the squad yesterday.
It’s a major setback for the Brazilian who missed a big portion of the action during the previous season.
In his absence, Nketiah will probably need to step up, and Declan Rice was quite pleased with the attacker after yesterday’s victory for Arsenal.
During his time at the club, the 24-year-old has already experienced the stress of having to succeed Jesus.
Mikel Arteta will have a lot to consider before Sunday’s Community Shield encounter against Manchester City thanks to him.
After Arsenal’s victory, Rice made an impression on Nketiah.
Nketiah wrote: “Honoured to lead the team out today, bring on the season” in a post on Instagram.
Declan Rice simply referred to him as “Special,” and Jurrien Timber, another recent addition, praised the 24-year-old.
Even wantaway midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga was excited by Nketiah’s performance, replying with: “Came a long way.”
Nketiah performed admirably against Monaco yesterday, continuing to dazzle when dropping deep.
His reputation as a poacher is well-deserved, particularly when considering the goal he scored off of a corner kick from Gabriel Martinelli.
However, he could make Gabriel Jesus’ absence from Arsenal easier to live with if he can keep involving his teammates in the team’s buildup.
When Martin Odegaard starts the game, Nketiah’s role will also be easier.
Nketiah impressed Declan Rice yesterday, and their prior working connection will benefit them on the pitch as well.
Now it’s up to both players to get started as soon as the campaign starts in a few days.