Declan Rice Champions League Brilliance Silences Souness Criticism

Declan Rice Champions League heroics silence critics as he leads Arsenal past Real Madrid with goals, dominance, and midfield brilliance.

The Declan Rice Champions League quarter-final performances against Real Madrid have redefined his status in world football. With two standout displays, Rice not only led Arsenal to the semi-finals but also silenced critics—most notably Graeme Souness, who had previously questioned his elite credentials.

In the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Rice delivered a career-defining performance. He scored two sensational free-kicks—his first ever—against the reigning European champions. The first, in the 58th minute, curled around Madrid’s wall and left Thibaut Courtois rooted. Just twelve minutes later, Rice struck again from 25 yards, finding the top corner with precision.

Thierry Henry, speaking on Paramount+, praised Rice’s awareness and execution. “You can put 10 goalkeepers there, they will never save it,” he said of the second goal.

Rice’s impact extended far beyond his scoring. He controlled the midfield with sharp passing, tireless energy, and defensive authority. His performance set the tone for Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 win, giving them a strong advantage heading into the second leg.

In the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Rice once again proved his worth. Facing a determined Real Madrid side, he led Arsenal to a 2-1 victory, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win. Rice recorded the most touches, accurate passes, interceptions, and tackles among Arsenal players, orchestrating the game with composure and tactical intelligence.

Praise from Legends and Pundits

Rice’s performances drew widespread acclaim. Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist praised him for “running the show,” while Ian Wright declared on his podcast: “Declan Rice, over two games, absolutely wiped the floor with that team. He’s in the top three midfielders in the world right now.”

Souness Proven Wrong

Previously, Graeme Souness had questioned Rice’s world-class status in his Daily Mail column. However, Rice’s Champions League displays addressed every critique—combining attacking brilliance with defensive dominance. While Souness acknowledged Rice’s potential, he urged caution in labeling him elite. Still, fans and pundits now widely agree: Rice has firmly established himself among Europe’s top midfielders.

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