Declan Rice’s “humble attitude and work-ethic” contribute to him being “such a special player”, says former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson.
After lighting up the first leg against Real Madrid with two glorious free-kicks, Rice provided an all-action display in the second – dominating the midfield and winning player of the match once again.
“He doesn’t miss a game,” Upson told the Football Daily podcast.
“He can run all day, has power in terms of his running and has started to add little attacking elements to his game too. He’s a very special player.
“What stands out is his humble attitude and work ethic. He will eventually be captain and has the stature to grow into main leadership roles in coming seasons.
“To come away from both these games as player of the match tells you something. That’s a big sign of the top player you have on your hands. It’s not the first time he’s performed at this level in these types of games.
“For how he plays the game, how Arsenal set up and what they want from their players, he can offer so many different things. He provides a defensive shield, an ability to drive forward with the ball, goalscoring now. He would be able to adapt and thrive at this level wherever he plays and that is what makes him such a special player.
“He keeps adding things to his game and improving. In terms of how he has grown as a player – it is all down to his mentality and his want to listen and learn.”
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis added: “He was absolutely everywhere. He never stops and covers an amazing amount of ground without tiring.
“He has this relentless desire and was the epitome of everything Arsenal needed to be against Real Madrid, leading from the front.”
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