Patrick Vieira supports Declan Rice as a key player in Arsenal’s pursuit of trophies.

Former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira, believes that the club can overcome their recent struggles and still claim silverware this season, with midfielder Declan Rice being a ‘really important’ leader for the squad.

Arsenal's hopes for a quadruple have been severely hampered by recent defeats, including a shock 2-1 loss to Bournemouth following setbacks in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

Despite losing three of their last four matches, the Gunners maintain a narrow 1-0 advantage over Sporting CP after the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

In a discussion with TNT Sports regarding the upcoming second leg at the Emirates Stadium, Vieira addressed Arsenal's recent slump and urged players to return to basics for the remainder of the season.

Vieira, the last Arsenal captain to lift the Premier League trophy, was asked about his advice for the current squad and replied, “I think I would remind them about what they’ve been doing since the first game of the season.”

“I would remind them that the majority of the coaches and teams will want to be in their shoes. There’s a lot of managers and teams that will want to play a quarter-final of the Champions League and to be top of the [Premier] League.”

“It’s true that they’re having a really difficult run at the moment, there are many injuries, and some players are not at their best, but it doesn’t mean they can’t win it. I think they just need some really important players to drive the team, I think Gabriel can be one of these players and Declan Rice can be another one.”

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Declan Rice will be ‘really important' for Arsenal says Patrick Vieira (Getty)

Regarding Rice, Vieira noted that his leadership will be vital for Arsenal as they aim for trophies this season, guiding his teammates on what is necessary.

He stated: “I don’t know how he [Rice] is in the dressing room but on the field, he is the engine of the team, the drive of the team.

“I like seeing him going forward, making runs, and challenging for tackles because winning the ball in midfield shows your teammates that you are present and what needs to be done.”

“His natural leadership will be really important for the rest of the season.”

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Vieira believes that Arsenal have what it takes to win the Premier League this year (PA Archive)

Vieira also expressed concern over Arsenal’s recent focus on possession rather than scoring goals, advising the team to return to the aggressive style they displayed earlier in the season.

“I think they have to go back to what they were doing at the beginning of the season,” he continued. “They were quite clinical, playing forward, scoring goals, and creating chances.”

“At the moment, they are somewhat too focused on possession without sufficient end product. I believe there is enough talent in that team to reach the Champions League final and even win the Premier League.”