Two dream free kicks from Declan Rice have paved the way to the semi-finals from FC Arsenal, where against PSG should not end. About someone who shines in the spotlight without looking for it.
Compared to the diverse noodles and potatoes, the less glamorous rice falls a little under the carbohydrate supplements in Europe. Already Helge Schneider’s hit published in 1993 “There is rice, baby” ultimately left the grain not very flattering.
But rice is quickly prepared, fits almost to every dish and has many advantages when it comes to providing energy. Anyone who has put on rice is usually convinced. That would probably also many supporters of the FC Arsenal Say this season when it comes to her Rice, who wears the first name Declan and is significant that the fans of the “Gunners“Can dream of the first Champions League title.
Duel with PSG on Tuesday
Two wonderful free kicks of the 26-year-old in the quarter-final first leg of the “Gunners” against defending champion Real Madrid paved their way for the move into the semi-finals, where Rice and Co. Saint-Germain Expect in London.
The development that Rice took again in his almost two complete seasons at Arsenal is remarkable. At West Ham United, Where, after he had been sorted out in the Chelsea youth, he had been playing since 2013, became captain, favorite of the audience, national player and conference League winner in 2023, Rice had his big breakthrough as “Holding Six”.
From the “Holding Six” to the ball tractor Final qualities
As such, Thomas Tuchel also wanted to bring him to FC Bayern Munich, as someone who controls the game, steers and is the starting point for the introduction of attacks, which also gives him defensive stability and physical presence. In betting bids with Arsenal, who ultimately transferred around 120 million euros and Rice, with Jack Grialish, made it the most expensive English player ever, could not be seen at the time.
Under Mikel Arteta, the rice role now looks a little different than with the “Hammer“. Rice is usually no longer the most defensive part in the central midfield, which is often dressed by Thomas Partey. Instead, he acts as a kind of hybrid, moves to the six-position when he has to, but intervenes more into the attack, drags the ball out of the defense, plays long passes and subsequently occupies the penalty area. Goal participations, even in this he already has seven goals and ten templates in the account, six of them in the premier class, – at West Ham, he never got a double -digit scorer number.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta (right) in conversation with Declan Rice.
Once London – always London?
Rice, born in the London area, already had almost 300 at the age of 26 Premier League-Playing on the account and it is quite possible that at the end of his career he will be placed at the front in the list of eternal record players. Rice is hardly prone to injury, physically strong, runs a lot, but does not depend on speed. In the 2023/24 season, only two Premier League players spent more kilometers than him.
And the chance that the constant Rice will play in England for a long time or in London seems great. Although Bayern, relevant media reports, were quite attractive, Rice has stayed in London, where his (sporty) homeland has always been. Most recently, he opened a new sports field on Dickerage Lane Adventure Playgroundwhere he has been against the ball four to five times a week since the age of two.
Gabi Biesinger, Sportschau, April 28, 2025 7:15 p.m.
Down -to -earth and focused on the title?
He has known his wife Lauren since teenagers and her life together kept her mostly privately. Alcohol and nightlife avoids the now 64-fold English international with Irish roots. When his wife recently learned greater hostility on social media, Rice then caught publicly, expressed his love for her and called her his refuge in times of pressure, attention and hustle and bustle.
Declan Rice has never been the big glamorous poster boy of English football – qua of its sporty role and qua of its nature. This will probably not change despite two of the most memorable free-kick goals in Champions League history. But if the “Gunners” should actually win the Henkelpott at the end of the season, the name Rice will be at the top of the reasons for this triumph.