Declan Rice was asked to rank his top four role models and chose two Arsenal players

Declan Rice was asked to rank his four role models in football and the Arsenal midfielder had some fascinating answers.

Rice, 24, has settled into north London life well since making the £105 million move from West Ham in July.

The England international scored his first goal for the Gunners back in September, stealing in at the back post to score a stoppage time winner against Manchester United.

Speaking while away on international duty, Rice was asked to name his four footballing role models who he is keen to emulate, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri his first choice.

"The main one in the Premier League is Rodri," Rice told Channel 4. "He's incredible The way he is, the way he works, the way he keeps that Man City team ticking. He's a top player.

Rice also called Thomas Partey "incredible", before praising Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

"Partey when I came to Arsenal was incredible and has been up until his injury," he said.

"Tchouameni at Real Madrid, he's a youngster as well. He's aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it. He's very good."

Rice then went on to hail Gunners teammate Jorginho, admitting the Italian's ability had "surprised" him.

"The one who surprised me so much - not surprised me because I knew he was such a good player anyway - but playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is because he's not the biggest is Jorginho," said Rice.

"His brain, the way it works as a holding midfielder. I've just been trying to pick up little things of him. He's always in position, always knows when to pass, always creates time for himself.

"He's an outstanding trainer and I've been trying to take little bits from his game as well."

Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Football, Thomas Partey, Rodri, Jorginho, Aurelien Tchouameni

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno