There were plenty of Arsenal players who looked the part in their 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Declan Rice lauded Ethan Nwaneri’s showing against PSV as he claimed the 17-year-old’s “ability is crazy” after the game.
Rice himself was a class act, putting in an inch-perfect cross to set up Jurrien Timber’s opening goal.
Myles-Lewis-Skelly’s display against PSV was praised by Mikel Arteta as well, who looks like the best fit to be Arsenal’s starting left-back.
Arsenal’s victory is one that has basically guaranteed them a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, a stage they reached last season as well before being knocked out by Bayern Munich.
But this time around, they could have an even tougher test in store as a potential match-up against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid is one that will push the Gunners’ limits.
Alan Shearer full of praise for Declan Rice after Arsenal thrash PSV
But for now, Arsenal will be celebrating their emphatic win against PSV, with Mikel Arteta perhaps being satisfied that the big names like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard came to the party.
While the focus from the result will naturally be on the seven goals the visitors scored on Tuesday night, what was perhaps even more impressive was the control that they exacted during proceedings.
With that being the case, Alan Shearer reserved special praise for Rice, who was at his all-conquering best in an Arsenal shirt against PSV.
Shearer said via BBC Sport: “It has not gone unnoticed the work that Declan Rice has done in that midfield.”
“Lots of energy to run in support of the forwards as well as protect that back four. He also produced the cross for Jurrien Timber’s goal.”
Even Arsenal fans hailed Rice’s performance against PSV as his standout of the season. Recently, Tony Cascarino claimed Rice is “carrying an injury” but he looked as fit and firing as ever against the Dutch side.
Declan Rice stats during PSV vs Arsenal
The Englishman will have to maintain such high standards if Arsenal aspire to win the Champions League this season.
The former West Ham United midfielder is arguably Mikel Arteta’s most important player and his side seem to play their best football when he is at his brilliant best.
The statistics certainly showcased just how brilliant Rice was against PSV.
As the stats suggest, despite being a defensive midfielder, it was further forward where the Europa Conference League winner excelled the most.
Rice provided an assist, created two big chances and played two key passes, which is further proof that he is much more than just a sitting midfielder.
As Alan Shearer pointed out, Rice deserved immense credit for his incredible display against PSV as Arsenal will be delighted that he has taken to Champions League football as well as he has since joining the club last season.