Micah Richards has been assessing Declan Rice’s performance against Real Madrid and has also named the midfielder’s best position for Arsenal.
It was a historic evening at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal as they thrashed the defending European champions, Real Madrid, 3-0.
Declan Rice’s sensational brace of free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s beautifully taken goal secured one of the biggest wins in the Gunners’ recent history.
The 26-year-old stole the headlines in North London as he scored not once but twice from set pieces against Los Blancos.
Micah Richards calls Declan Rice ‘world-class’ and picks his best position
Micah Richards told Declan Rice that he is ‘world-class’ when he plays in the number eight role for Arsenal.
The former Premier League defender, speaking directly to the 26-year-old, admitted how his attributes were best suited to playing in a more advanced midfield role.
Thomas Partey was the player who slotted into the number six position and allowed Rice the freedom to get into more advanced positions with the ball.
Richards told Rice on CBS Sports: “Basically, in the number six, I think you are fantastic, but in the number eight, I think you are world-class because the way you travel with the ball so athletic, the tackles, the through balls – absolutely everything!”
Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice’s two free-kicks vs Real Madrid
Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that Rice has been absolutely determined to become Arsenal’s free-kick taker for some time.
The midfielder was finally given his chance against the European champions and he took it with both hands as scored the Gunners’ first direct free-kick since September 2021.
Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was spotted telling Rice to bend his effort around Madrid’s wall, meanwhile, Arsenal’s fans also urged Rice to shoot.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta said: “He’s been very determined [to take them]. We haven’t scored a direct free kick since September 2021.
“To score two goals of that magnitude… what are the odds. I’m a big believer. I think the crowd gave us something.”
