Declan Rice has been lighting up the Arsenal fans in recent matches. He’s not just the “back” of the midfield with a knack for making tackles, he’s also a versatile player in the Gunners’ side. In the matches with Real Madrid and Brentford, his performance was almost phenomenal, both in offense and defense, both impeccable.
Especially in the Champions League match against Real Madrid, he took two free-kick breaks to stun the crowd, and then set up a key counter-attack against Brentford, assisting Thomas Partey’s breakaway goal. Rice, like a wild horse out of control, was fast, powerful and accurate, making it impossible to ignore his presence.
The man teammates call “The Horse” earns respect through hard work.
The nickname “Horse” is not just a nickname. Arsenal’s teammates use it to describe Rice’s hustle and consistency. It’s not a jibe, it’s a sign of respect. Every game, he seems to run as hard as he can, sprinting to the last minute and refusing to let up. Not only does he run fast, but he also thinks fast, and can make the most logical pass or steal decision in a split second.
Head coach Arteta is also well aware of Rice’s importance. Even in the case of preserving strength and rotating the squad for the second round of the Champions League next week, Rice is still the core of the team that cannot be rotated. Because as long as he is on the field, Arsenal will have the courage to have a stable push and control.
EPL Round 32: Against Brentford, Rice Repeats Moment of Truth
Arsenal hosted Brentford in the 32nd round of the EPL 2024/25 season. Despite a five-man rotation, with Sacca and Odego on the bench, the Gunners were still in control of the game, and Rice was the key to that.
In the 61st minute of the game, goalkeeper David Raya quickly countered from a Brentford corner and passed the ball to Rice. At this point, Rice rushed out like a gust of wind, advancing to the front with the ball, facing several opposing players, he calmly chose to pass the ball, assisting Partey to complete the fatal strike.
This goal not only reflects Arsenal’s overall speed and counterattack efficiency, but also highlights Rice’s decisive role in changing the pace and creating opportunities. From the goalkeeper’s kick-off, to the midfield curation, to the front end, Arsenal completed the goal with only three touches, which is a textbook fast attack.
Multi-faceted midfielder: the numbers speak for themselves too
Rice is now one of the most dominant players in Arsenal’s tactical system. Not only does he make interceptions in the midfield, but he also frequently slots in to assist and even score directly. His presence improves the passing efficiency of the whole team and makes it harder for opponents to predict Arsenal’s attacking style.
According to season statistics, Rice already leads the team in set pieces and crosses, completing 144 passes compared to Saka’s 74. Despite Saka missing some time due to injury, Rice’s numbers are still very impressive, showing that he is putting in far more effort and efficiency on the offensive end.
What’s more, he has also played steadily on the defensive end, with his average figures for steals, interceptions and advances with the ball almost all ranking at the top of the Premier League’s midfielders. It can be said that both offense and defense, Rice has done the ultimate.
Arsenal’s engine: the omnipotent Rice
In Arteta’s tactical system, Rice is almost an “all-round” midfielder. He is not only responsible for linking up the midfield, but also takes free kicks, corners, and can even finish the game himself at crucial moments. In a phrase – “Rice can do anything”.
With his height, physical ability, awareness and footwork, he can be said to be the perfect template for a modern soccer midfielder. What’s even more rare is that he always rushes in the first line, not afraid of rushing, not afraid of physical exhaustion, always for the team to pay the maximum effort.
Battle of the Bernabeu, can Rice come through again?
Next week will be the second round of the Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal will challenge Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. It’s a tough away game for any team. But as long as Rice is still on the field, Arsenal has hope.
He is not only the pivot of the tactics, but also the spiritual leader of the team. His fighting spirit, his judgment, and his fighting attitude are the power source of the team on the way forward. As Arsenal fans often say, “With Rice, we are not afraid of any opponent.”
Summary: Rice’s peak may have just begun!
From West Ham United to Arsenal, Rice’s growth is obvious to the eyes. He has gone from a defensive midfielder to the all-round core of today’s team, and is not only a key player for the England national team, but also the man Arsenal can rely on the most. He will likely continue to dominate the Premier League and even Europe in the coming years.
The fact that Arsenal now has such a well-rounded midfielder is undoubtedly a huge plus for the team on the road to the title. If Rice can continue to maintain this form, he will not only help the team to get important trophies, but also likely to become another legendary midfielder in the history of the Premier League.
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