By Kwame Bediako
Declan Rice was the undoubted star of the show as Arsenal thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League quarter final first leg. The 25-year-old midfielder was a constant thorn in the flesh for the defending European champions, and his two exquisite free kicks were the epitome of his class.
Rice’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal, with a staggering 90% pass accuracy, five shots on goal, and a successful dribble that left the Madrid defense bewildered. But it was his two free kicks that truly showcased his genius. Scored within 12 minutes of each other, these two set pieces were a masterclass in technique and power.
To put Rice’s achievement into perspective, he joins an elite group of players who have scored two direct free kicks in the same Champions League game. The likes of Rivaldo, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have all accomplished this feat, and it’s a testament to Rice’s skill that he’s now mentioned in the same breath as these legends.
What was most impressive about Rice’s free kicks was the precision and power with which he struck the ball. The first one, in particular, was a work of art, curling over the wall and into the top corner with ease. The second one was no less impressive, with Rice using a slightly different technique to deceive the goalkeeper.
Rice’s performance was not just about his free kicks, however. He controlled the midfield with ease, dictating the pace of the game and allowing his teammates to flourish. His vision and passing range were on full display, and he consistently picked out his teammates with pinpoint accuracy.
In many ways, Rice’s performance was a statement of intent. He’s a player who’s been making waves in the football world for some time now, and this display was a clear indication that he’s ready to take his game to the next level. With his unique blend of skill, power, and vision, Rice is a player who could potentially dominate the Champions League for years to come.
