Declan Rice's outstanding performance in Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid has cemented his status as a top midfielder. His crucial role, including a game-saving VAR intervention, has drawn significant praise from football pundits.
Former players like Matthew Upson and Rio Ferdinand lauded Rice's exceptional contribution, highlighting his dominance in both legs of the tie. Ferdinand described Rice's performance as 'running the show' and elevating him to another level.
Rice's performance is further supported by statistics: he led all players with five interceptions and was tied for the most shots on target (four).
This season he matched his previous best with seven goals across all competitions.
While celebrating the victory, the article notes that with PSG next and Thomas Partey suspended, the team still has a significant challenge ahead. Rice's continued performance will be critical.
The night, though, could have turned out very differently for Rice after he was adjudged to have pulled down Kylian Mbappe in the penalty area with the game goalless, earning him a booking too that would have ruled him out of the first leg of the semi-final.
However, the decision was overturned by a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention and, rather the scare negatively affect him, Rice gave a thumbs-up to the referee and continued as if it had never happened.
"What a two games to cement yourself as one of the best midfielders on the planet," ex-Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Declan Rice is doing it in these two games."
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand added on TNT Sports: "You need games like this in your career. You need to get to places like this to be properly judged.
"He's stood up against the holders of this trophy and he's not just competed, he's run the show, he's run the show in both games. He's put himself in another bracket."
Rice's five interceptions over the two legs were the most of any player involved, while he also had the joint-most shots on target (four).
He has seven goals across all competitions this season, matching his previous best in a single campaign.
Any list of the world's most complete midfielders must now include Rice and he has fully deserved the plaudits.
"It is such a special night for this club, a historic night for this club. We had an objective in this competition - we want to win this competition," he told TNT Sports.
Achieve that objective and this performance might come to be remembered in the same way as Roy Keane in Turin - when the Irishman's inspired display helped Manchester United to a comeback win over Juventus to reach the 1999 Champions League final. Or Steven Gerrard's heroic efforts when Liverpool fought back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties to lift the 2005 trophy in Istanbul.
But, with French champions PSG up next - and midfield partner Thomas Partey ruled out of the first-leg through suspension - Arsenal and Rice have still got work to do.
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