‘Hardest Worker in the Premier League’: Ally McCoist Crowns Arsenal Star with Ultimate Compliment
Former Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist has delivered the ultimate praise to an Arsenal player, declaring that the North London club now boasts the hardest working player in the entire Premier League. McCoist, known for his infectious enthusiasm and astute football analysis, singled out midfielder Declan Rice for his relentless engine and sheer dedication, suggesting his tireless running sets him apart from every other player in the top flight.
The high praise came during a recent broadcast, where the pundit was discussing the title contenders and the individual players driving their respective teams.
Rice’s Engine: The Premier League Benchmark
McCoist’s comments elevate Rice above other notoriously industrious players in the league, such as Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva or Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. For a player to be labeled the ‘hardest working’ in the Premier League is a massive compliment, especially from a respected figure like McCoist, who played with numerous workhorses throughout his career.
“You look at Arsenal, and they’ve got brilliant footballers, but the one player who is an absolute monster for them is Declan Rice,” McCoist stated. “He covers every blade of grass. His ability to go box-to-box, to intercept, to transition defence into attack—it’s non-stop. I would argue he is the hardest working player in the league right now.”
The statistics certainly back up McCoist’s claim. Since his big-money move from West Ham United, Rice has consistently topped distance covered charts for Arsenal in almost every game, often surpassing 12 kilometres. This extraordinary mileage isn’t just aimless running; it’s a calculated, high-intensity effort to protect the defence, press the opposition, and join the attack.
The Pillar of Arsenal’s Title Push
Rice’s work ethic is viewed by many as the crucial cultural shift Mikel Arteta sought to embed in the Arsenal squad. The Gunners’ title aspirations have been significantly bolstered by the England international’s presence, which adds a layer of steel and endless mobility to the midfield.
His performance is an embodiment of the modern defensive midfielder—not just a shield, but a dynamic, all-action playmaker who dictates the tempo both with and without the ball. This willingness to push his physical limits has been particularly noticeable in Arsenal’s big games, where his ability to compete late into the second half has helped close out tight victories.
McCoist’s endorsement is a huge boost to the 24-year-old, placing him at the pinnacle of one of the most respected metrics in the sport. While goals and assists often grab the headlines, the kind of unrelenting work rate praised by McCoist is the foundation upon which title-winning teams are built.
Setting a New Standard
By designating Rice as the league’s top grafter, McCoist isn’t just commending his fitness; he’s celebrating the player’s mental fortitude and commitment to the team’s cause. In the high-stakes environment of the Premier League title race, that kind of relentless application is priceless.
For Mikel Arteta, having the ‘hardest working player’ is a tactical dream, providing an almost unparalleled platform of physicality and stamina from which to launch his team’s attacks. As Arsenal continue their pursuit of the title, it’s clear that Declan Rice’s engine will be one of their most valuable, and now officially acknowle
dged, assets.
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