DECLAN RICE: FUTURE ENGLAND.CAPTAIN

ARSENAL STAR OUTSHINES EVERYONE ON THE PITCH AT BOTH THE EMIRATES AND THE BERNABÉU

- BY THOMAS WRAGG

Composure. Leadership. Persistence.

These three words might seem random, but they perfectly encapsulate Declan Rice's performances in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid.

Against a side rich in European tradition and stacked with superstars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Luka Modric, Rice didn't just hold his own-he outshone everyone on the pitch at both the Emirates and the Bernabéu.

The Englishman controlled the tempo, broke up Madrid's attacks, and led Arsenal through tight situations with remarkable authority to help the Gunners ease through into the semi-finals.

His performances earned him Man of the Match honours in both games and further solidified his status as one of football's elite midfielders.