Declan Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 and faced doubts about his future.
Coaches at West Ham United questioned his coordination and long-term potential.
Rice responded to setbacks by embracing honest criticism and relentless self-improvement.
He earned a scholarship, broke into the first team, and developed into a reliable leader.
Under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Rice evolved into a complete midfielder.
His set-piece quality, goal threat, and authority now define Arsenal’s spine.
Once viewed as limited, Rice is now praised for elegance, intelligence, and consistency.
If trophies follow, he could enter the Ballon d’Or conversation for club and country.
