Arsenal should allow Rice rest next season, he’s played 50 games straight for the past 4 seasons, he’s on course for 70 games this season, with the energy he plays with, and just about to enter his proper prime, they must protect him too.
The way Rice plays is physically demanding. He covers massive spaces, presses aggressively, wins duels, recovers transitions and still carries the ball forward constantly. That kind of role burns energy quickly over a long season.
You don’t wait until a player breaks down before managing his minutes. The best-run clubs rotate early to extend peaks, especially for midfielders that do so much off the ball.
Arsenal need enough depth so they can rest him without the whole structure collapsing. Because if Rice ever misses a long stretch, you immediately feel the balance, intensity and defensive security drop.
🗣️ "With Pep [Guardiola] leaving Manchester City, we've got a chance of winning the Premier League."
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole on Michael Carrick's chances of winning a Premier League title as United head coach 🔴
🚨 Arsenal will listen to offers for EIGHT players this summer, according to BBC Sport 🤑
They could save £1.2M per week on their wage bill with these exits 💰