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Mixed martial arts Declan Rice will adapt very quickly at Arsenal, says ex-Gunner, Mikael Silvestre
With Arsenal still leading the Premier League standings, we caught up with ex-Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre to discuss the performances of new signings Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, as well as talk about how Arsenal’s top target, Declan Rice, could slot in if he joins the North London outfit.
In this article:
- Jorginho is what Mikel Arteta wants from his No. 6 and No. 8
- Sharp and direct Trossard is a very good signing
- Declan Rice will have no issues in adapting to Arsenal
- Jesper Lindstrøm can play in any league
- Arsenal have to avoid giving away stupid fouls against Everton
Jorginho is what Mikel Arteta wants from his No. 6 and No. 8
The Gunners signed Jorginho from arch-rivals Chelsea and the midfielder has already seen a lot of action. He has started for Arsenal in their last three outings in place of Thomas Partey who has struggled with his fitness.
The Italian midfielder has given good performances and also found the net against Aston Villa (the goal was credited as an own goal for Emiliano Martinez). Silvestre has pointed to Jorginho’s experience as being a vital asset and mentioned that he didn’t need any time to adapt to Mikel Arteta’s playing style, terming him a good acquisition.
“Jorginho, 31 years old, won trophies. He’s a great player and a ready player for Arsenal.”
“Good acquisition and experience in football is excellent and it’s what Mikel wants to do with his No. 6/8. Because he rarely loses the ball in possession. That’s key. For me he’s excellent.”
Sharp and direct Trossard is a very good signing
Arsenal’s other signing in the January window, Leandro Trossard was given his second start on Saturday, as the Belgian started up front in place of Eddie Nketiah. He found the net but that was overturned by VAR but he did end up getting an assist, setting up Gabriel Martinelli’s winner.
Silvestre praised the former Brighton man for his direct approach and said that he fits Arteta’s system well.
“Trossard, yes he fits well. Again he’s one of those players who can play either side up front. He has the experience.”
“Quality wise, he’s quick and sharp and very direct.”
“He’s an interesting player. Not a big name but he knows the Premier League. I think it was a very good move to sign him.”
Declan Rice will have no issues in adapting to Arsenal
It is common knowledge that Declan Rice is Arsenal’s transfer priority in the summer and Silvestre believes that he’d be a natural fit and his performances would be of a similar ilk as that for West Ham and England.
“I think Declan Rice would fit very well into Arsenal´s way of playing. I don’t think he would find it difficult and he would adapt quite quickly.”
“I think he would perform very well just as he does for West Ham and England.”
The five-time Premier League winner cites Rice’s on-ball ability as well as his work-rate as qualities why he’d have no issue in adapting to Arsenal.
“He is a proper engine and he is very good on the ball as well. I don´t think there would be a particular issue with him adapting if he is arriving.”
Jesper Lindstrøm can play in any league
Silvestre also gave his view on Jesper Lindstrøm, the Frankfurt winger linked to a host of clubs in Europe, including Arsenal.
The Frenchman thinks that the Dane is a player who can play in any league as he’s a clever footballer. Silvestre also added that the move will end up hinging on Lindstrøm’s personal preference.
“I think he is one of those players that could play in any league. He is very clever and the way he moves is very clever.”
“It depends on himself where he wants to go, it will be a personal preference for him but he could fit very well into any league in my opinion and do very well.”
Silvestre also said that Frankfurt is a selling club and Lindstrøm is ready for a move to bigger clubs.
“Frankfurt is a selling club, and Lindstrøm is very attractive because of his good performances, so it is completely normal that there is a lot of interest for him from big clubs.”
“I think he could play anywhere and do a very good job. I definitely think that he is ready to take the next step. He shows maturity on the pitch and he is delivering week in and week out, so he is ready to go to a bigger club.”
Arsenal have to avoid giving away stupid fouls against Everton
With the Gunners facing Everton on Wednesday, Silvestre is confident that his former side can come out on top against the Toffees, despite Sean Dyche’s men winning their previous encounter.
“I think Arsenal need to take their chances and I expect them to be on top of the game, so if they score it will be very difficult for Everton to equalise and win.”
“Arsenal has to be careful but I think that Arsenal will win the game.”
His advice for Arteta’s men is to avoid conceding stupid fouls and corners as that is the only way he sees Everton scoring.
“Everton is not scoring a lot of goals and they are struggling with creating chances in open play, and set pieces are very important for them. And the key for Arsenal is not to give away stupid fouls and corners because it’s very difficult to defend the set pieces from Everton.”
