'This is why we brought him to Arsenal': Arteta sings praises of Declan Rice after Madrid heroics

IANS April 18, 2025 250 views

Declan Rice has transformed Arsenal's midfield with his exceptional performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. His remarkable display, including scoring two direct free-kicks and maintaining a 97% passing accuracy, has vindicated the club's record £105m investment. Mikel Arteta praised Rice's potential, suggesting his role will continue to grow significantly for the team. With a semi-final clash against PSG ahead, Arsenal is hoping Rice's form continues as they also battle for Premier League supremacy.

"He's learning more and more. His performances put him in a different dimension." - Mikel Arteta
London, April 18: Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta sang praises of Declan Rice for his performance across the two legs in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid.

Key Points

1

Rice becomes first player to score two direct free-kicks in UCL knockout match

2

Delivered 97% passing accuracy in dominant Madrid display

3

Arsenal secured 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid

4

£105m signing proving his worth in crucial matches

After his Player of the Match performance in the first leg, which saw him become the first player to score two goals from direct free-kicks in a single UCL knockout match, Rice ran the show at Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg, commanding the midfield with another huge performance that saw Arsenal come away from the Spanish capital with a 2-1 victory to win the tie 5-1 on aggregate, booking their semi-finals clash against PSG.

Rice was once again presented with the Player of the Match trophy, having played 89 minutes, covered just shy of 12km and had a passing accuracy of 97 per cent.

Arsenal signed Rice in the 2023-24 season on a 105 million pound deal from West Ham United and Arteta backed the club's decision to spend on the record signing.

"He's learning more and more. His performances like he had in the second leg against Real Madrid put him in a different dimension. That's why we brought him here. That's why we are demanding as well. It's about maintaining that level of consistency and belief. Undoubtedly his role will be bigger and bigger," said Arteta in the pre-game press conference.

Although Arsenal have now sealed a date with PSG in the semi-final of the UCL, the Gunners will need to once again focus on the Premier League after having drawn in their last two outings against Everton and Brentford. Newcastle have now crept to within four points of the Gunners, who sit in second place, and will now have to secure their spot in next year's UCL, by sealing a spot in the top five teams of the league.

"The priority now is to win games in the Premier League. We were in a much better position but the last two draws have significantly changed that. Credit to Newcastle for the form they are in and the way they have been playing. We need to step up and start to win [Premier League] games," Arteta added.

Arsenal will face Ipswich Town on Sunday and a loss for the Gunners could see Liverpool clinch the league title later that day if they manage to secure the three points against Leicester City.

"We have to make sure we win the game (against Ipswich) and make sure that (Liverpool winning the title this weekend) doesn't happen," Arteta said.

Reader Comments

J
James W.
Rice has been worth every penny! That performance in Madrid was legendary. The way he controlled the midfield against world-class players shows why we broke the bank for him. Future captain material right there 🔥
S
Sarah K.
As much as I love Rice's UCL performances, I'm worried about our league form. Two draws against mid-table teams is concerning. We need that same energy in the Prem if we want to secure top 4 AND go far in Europe.
M
Mohammed R.
97% passing accuracy in the Bernabeu?! That's insane numbers against Real Madrid. The man doesn't misplace passes under pressure. What a signing he's turning out to be 💪
T
Tina L.
I'll admit I had doubts about the price tag last summer, but Rice has completely won me over. His leadership on the pitch is exactly what we've been missing since Vieira left. Now let's hope the whole team can step up against Ipswich!
D
David P.
Respectful criticism here - while Rice was phenomenal, we're still too reliant on individual brilliance. The system needs to improve to support players like him better. But wow, what a player to build around!
A
Aisha B.
Two free kick goals in one match?? That's not even his main skill set! Rice keeps surprising us with new dimensions to his game. Arteta was right - he's growing into something special before our eyes 👏

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Tags:
Declan Rice Arsenal Mikel Arteta UEFA Champions League Real Madrid Transfer Football
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