The complete package — Fabregas hails Arsenal star with the ability to stop Man City

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has showered praise on Arsenal's midfielder Declan Rice ahead of the Gunners' Premier League showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday evening.

Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, the former Spain international described Rice as a ‘very big plus’ for Mikel Arteta’s side following his big-money move from West Ham last summer.

“He has brought dynamism, physicality, quality, intelligence, maturity. He is the complete package in midfield, in my opinion,” Fabregas said.

“He can play also as a double-pivot, he can play by himself, he can play higher up as a No.8 and I think he looks like a very intelligent boy.

“He knows his limitations as well so I feel safe. I see him play and I’m like: “I don’t think this boy will make a mistake in this game [Man City vs Arsenal].”

Arsenal suffered losses in both league games against City last season, including a 4-1 reverse at the Etihad — a situation they will hope to rectify this weekend.