If Arsenal knock Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League by ousting them in the second leg of the semi-final, it would be safe to assume that Declan Rice had a game for the ages.
Such is the Englishman’s impact on this Arsenal side and even in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, he was arguably Mikel Arteta’s standout performer.
Luis Enrique knows Arsenal are dangerous and what makes this Gunners side a team to be wary of is that they are a brilliant unit as a whole instead of being defined by individuals.
From Rice and Thomas Partey in midfield to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli up front, Arsenal have several players at their disposal who could turn Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSG on its head.
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal could beat PSG and Mikel Arteta’s side must step foot on to the Parc des Princes turf with the same sense of belief.
Declan Rice says Thomas Partey needs to step up for Arsenal vs PSG
Previewing Arsenal’s contest against PSG, Declan Rice was quizzed about Thomas Partey’s return to the side.
Partey’s return against PSG is key for Arsenal and Rice believes that is the case too as the former West Ham United midfielder admitted the visitors will need him to step up to the task.
Partey, who Barcelona were interested in was lauded by Rice as he detailed how underrated the 31-year-old is via BeanymanSports: “Total calmness. I think playing with Thomas, I’ve realised, one of the best things about him is, on the pitch, how calm he is with the football and the calmness he brings to the team.”
“It’s really special to play with a player like him. Before I came to Arsenal, there was so much talk about Thomas and how good he is.”
“Not always he gets the recognition he deserves, but playing with him closely and training with him every day, for sure, he allows me to be a better player because of the way he plays.”
Rice crucially added that aside from Partey, the entire Arsenal XI must be on their A-game against PSG: “Tomorrow night, we’re going to need a big performance from him and myself.”
“But also the full 11 that are out there because it could be the biggest night in this club’s history if we can get to the final so we’re fully ready to go.”
PSG star Vitinha issued four-word verdict about facing Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey
Rice would justifiably like Partey to have the game of his life due to how important he is to this Arsenal side coupled by the fact that he could help Mikel Arteta’s side book a place in the Champions League final if they beat PSG.
Across both legs of the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Real Madrid, the Ghanaian international was terrific as Los Blancos’ midfield could not contend with his excellent technical qualities and ball-winning ability.
PSG maestro Vitinha praised Partey when asked about the prospect of locking horns with him in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
“I don’t know.”
“He’s a good player.”
With Arsenal offering Partey a new contract, the £45 million (BBC Sport) man would also have the fire in his belly to be justified with a new deal by starring against PSG and helping the club reach their second Champions League final.
