Declan Rice has been hailed as ‘one of the best midfielders on the planet’ following his two dazzling performances against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Scoring two sensational free-kicks in the Gunners’ 3-0 triumph at the Emirates in the first-leg, Rice was able to back up this showing with another sublime display as Mikel Arteta’s side ran out 2-1 winners in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ex-England international defender Matthew Upson believes Rice’s performances against Los Blancos have bolstered his international reputation in the game.
“What a two games to cement yourself as one of the best midfielders on the planet,” the former Arsenal centre-back told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Capped 64 times by England and a UEFA Conference League winner with West Ham, Rice has taken his game to a new level since signing for Arsenal in a club-record £105m deal in 2023.
Rice was awarded UEFA’s Man of the Match award in both legs of Arsenal’s outstanding 5-1 aggregate victory over 15-time tournament winners Real Madrid.
Although the Englishman will be most remembered for his incredible brace of free-kicks in the first-leg at the Emirates, his domineering midfield performance at the Bernabeu was equally impressive in its own right.
With reigning UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid expected to come back fighting after their humiliating 3-0 first-leg defeat, Arsenal were able to keep Los Blancos largely subdued in front of their home supporters with the tireless Rice playing a key role.
Lining up directly against England international teammate Jude Bellingham in the engine room, it was Rice who stood tallest in the midfield battle and strode confidently forward with the ball time and time again for the Gunners.
“Declan Rice was up against Jude Bellingham and there was only one winner, he was absolutely magnificent,” said Arsenal legend Martin Keown on TNT Sports.
Rice and Arsenal will now turn their attention to another tough assignment in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals where they will face Luis Enrique’s in-form Paris Saint-Germain.
To bet on the UEFA Champions League, check out our betting hubs with everything you need to know including latest fixtures, odds, news, offers and guides.
Related Articles
Football News
Arsenal linked with move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman
Arsenal are being linked with a summer move for Bayern Munich's French winger Kingsley Coman.
James Wilson
15 Apr 25
