'I hate that he plays for Arsenal' - Maddison speaks out on Gunners star

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder made an admission of how highly he rates one of Arsenal’s key players of this season.

James Maddison ‘hates’ that Declan Rice plays his football at Tottenham’s bitter local rivals Arsenal.

Last summer, the England internationals took their talents to north London in blockbuster deals. Maddison signed for Tottenham from Leicester City in a £40 million agreement. Meanwhile, Rice went to Arsenal, who paid West Ham a £105 million transfer fee for the midfielder.

Rice has since become a vital part of the Gunners set-up, much to Maddison’s chagrin. The midfielder is well aware of Rice’s talents, having seen them in close quarters over the years.

Speaking about Rice to Amazon Prime, Maddison said: “Yeah, [he has got everything). He’s technically really, really good.

“We do passing for England in training. He is a joke when it comes to low-cut passes, [and] zingers. I think he’s a top, top player.

“I hate that he plays for Arsenal.”

Rice will likely feature on Tuesday evening when Arsenal visit Kenilworth Road to take on Luton Town in the Premier League.