Luiz has scored five Premier League goals this season compared to Rice’s three, although three of the Brazilian’s strikes have been penalties. Luiz has two assists, one more than Rice’s current tally.
Ahead of Saturday’s encounter, Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Rice and says he always expected him to have a big influence on his team. Arteta told Sky Sports: “Even when he was playing at West Ham, I had that feeling that this guy has got a presence that is unique, he has got something else.
“I think the team needs something like that. Through my imagination, every thought was extremely positive.
“Obviously, we knew he was going to be a very expensive player, but he is a player who was playing at a really high level already, so everything that I was trying to predict was extremely positive. Then, the outcome has been very, very quick and that is credit to him and how he has adapted, and also how everybody else has been extremely supportive and helpful with him.”
