Declan Rice claims unusual advice from Arsenal nutritionist was a ‘game changer’

Arsenal players, like all other elite athletes, are expected to maintain a professional standard when it comes to protecting and maintaining their health and fitness in their time.

The club will monitor the players’ weight, cardio fitness and well-being throughout the campaign. However, the North London club are apparently willing to take an unconventional approach to some aspects of the players’ diets.

Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach to the game requires a high level of fitness and stamina. The Gunners press and defend as a team, work hard to maintain their defensive shape when they lose the ball, and are expected to train back towards their own goal if an opposing team launches a counter-attack.

This requires large levels of energy. With that in mind, Declan Rice has now spoken about some advice he got from the club’s nutritionist when it comes to ensuring his body has the fuel it needs to get through a game.

Declan Rice discusses Arsenal’s strange dietary habits

In a recent interview with Mens Health, the 25-year-old midfielder was asked what he eats before a match. Rice said: I have four pancakes before a game. Covered with syrup or honey. I swear to God, it’s the best thing that’s changed this season.

The England star went on to explain that he usually eats fish and rice before the game, before Arsenal’s nutritionist told him: You have to stop eating that. He told me to trust him and start eating pancakes. They’re just normal pancakes.

Rice is not the only one who has been given the same advice. He said: When I joined the club, I saw the players eating and I thought to myself: What is going on here? But honestly, it’s been a game changer.

I don’t understand the science behind it or what’s in them or anything, but it gives me such a high energy boost. I think that’s why I’m able to knock around the field so much.

It’s actually getting out of hand. If we were playing at 5:30 p.m., sometimes you’ll eat eight pancakes a day. I’ll eat some in the morning and eat more at 3:30 p.m. before we play.

Mikel Arteta demands high energy levels from Declan Rice and his Arsenal team-mates

Rice has demonstrated his incredible durability over and over again this season. The English star is expected to have an impact at both ends of the pitch. He is one of the best ball-winners and defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but has shown this season that he can also have an impact in the final third.

The former West Ham United player has scored seven goals and provided ten assists this season in all competitions. Arteta encouraged Rice to take on a more advanced role, and it certainly paid off. However, Rice needs a great motor and full confidence in his stamina and physicality in order to pull this off.

Nor is Rice the only player in Arteta’s squad with such attributes. Martin Odegaard has been described as the perfect Arsenal captain due to his work rate, relentless running and commitment to defending from the front. Apparently the Norwegian playmaker is also on pancakes.

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