Declan Rice Emerges as Arsenal’s Driving Force in Champions League

London, England — Declan Rice showcased his leadership and playmaking skills during Arsenal‘s intense Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on April 29, 2025. With Ousmane Dembélé closing in on him and his two center backs out of position, Rice received a challenging pass from Jurrien Timber and expertly maneuvered his way through the midfield.

In a moment that defied his previous reputation, Rice controlled the ball on the spin, leaving Dembélé behind. He then sprinted forward, bypassing PSG’s midfield to set up Leandro Trossard, who unfortunately could not convert the assist into a goal.

Despite Arsenal’s eventual 1-0 defeat, Rice’s determination in a struggling midfield emphasized Arsenal’s potential against a strong opponent. His confidence in the game’s control was reinforced when he expressed to the team, “If we don’t have the ball, we die.”

Rice’s transition to Arsenal was only in its second season, but the young midfielder has made a significant impact since joining from West Ham United, where he celebrated a trophy win last year. He is now assuming more responsibility by taking set pieces and making quick decisions to switch play.

However, the game highlighted concerns about Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, who struggled to find his rhythm. Despite being a key player, Ødegaard was largely invisible during the match and made several turnovers, raising questions about his performance this season.

With Arsenal’s next match against PSG on the horizon, the team will need Ødegaard to regain the confidence he displayed earlier in the season, particularly after a promising return from injury. Coach Mikel Arteta’s substitutions, including bringing on Ethan Nwaneri late in the game, reflect a shift in the squad’s dynamics as they navigate through the vital stages of the tournament.