"Always getting the ball, looking forward, driving forward" - Alan Shearer hails Arsenal star's performance in international clash

Newcastle United legend and pundit Alan Shearer is impressed with Arsenal star Declan Rice's performance for England against the Republic of Ireland. The defensive midfielder scored and also provided an assist as the Three Lions secured a 2-0 win in their opening game in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday (September 7).

Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast (via TBR Football), Shearer highlighted that Rice seemed to play with freedom, similar to his displays for the Gunners. He said:

"Declan Rice, I thought was superb in midfield. Always getting the ball, looking forward, driving forward, more like the Rice that we see in an Arsenal shirt."

Initially hailed as one of the best number 6s in world football while at West Ham United, Rice's seamless transition into a more advanced role speaks volumes of his ability. Mikel Arteta has helped him add more versatility to his game as he looks to get the best out of the 25-year-old midfielder.

Signed for a club-record £100 million last summer, Declan Rice enjoyed a decent first season with the north Londoners. He made 51 appearances across competitions, contributing seven goals and 10 assists along with several important defensive displays.

This year, however, he has made a slightly slower start and was even sent off in Arsenal's last match against Brighton & Hove Albion (August 31) for two bookable offenses.

The Gunners will now be without their marquee midfielder for the crucial Premier League away game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 15).

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Arsenal sweat over fitness of two key players ahead of North London Derby

The North London Derby is arguably the most-anticipated fixture for any Arsenal fan, as the Gunners gear up to face Spurs on their patch in their next league game. However, Mikel Arteta faces injury concerns for two key players — Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori.

Skipper Odegaard picked up a knock against Brighton and was subbed off as a precautionary measure. However, the Norwegian played the entire 90 minutes in the UEFA Nations League clash against Kazakhstan on Friday (September 6) and was even declared the Player of the Match.

There is slightly more ambiguity around Calafiori's situation, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting the player has left the Italian camp after picking up an injury during their 3-1 win against France on Saturday. Romano added that the player has since returned to London and will be assessed by Arsenal's doctors.

Calafiori has made two appearances for the Gunners since joining in July this year and has played just 42 minutes. However, with Declan Rice suspended, it is understandable why the club would be extra careful with their new signing.