As good as Rice: Arsenal star has proven he's one of the best "in the world"
Sometimes a win is just that, other times it’s a statement, and Wednesday night felt like the latter for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the incredibly tough task of hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in what many saw as a clash between the two best teams in Europe this season.
The first half played out that way, with a goal each, but in the second 45, the Gunners blew the visitors away.
There were sensational performances across the pitch from the hosts, but two players really stood out above the rest, one of whom was Declan Rice.
Rice's performance against Bayern Munich
Arsenal needed their leaders to step up on Wednesday night, and that is precisely what Rice did.
The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere from the first minute to the last, especially in the second half, so much so, in fact, that he had Ally McCoist waxing lyrical about him nonstop towards the end of the game.
For good reason, though, as one minute he was clamping down on a Bayern player to stop an attack, and the next he was marauding up the pitch to create a chance for the Gunners.
It was the sort of display that led content creator Jamie Kent to describe the Englishman as “the best midfielder in Europe” and the Express’ Tom Parsons to award him a 9/10 match rating at full-time.
It might sound like hyperbole, but it’s really not, and his statistics prove as much.
For example, in his 94 minutes of action, the all-action monster produced a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.61, played three key passes, took one shot on target, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, took 66 touches, made one clearance, blocked one shot and recovered the ball five times.
In all, it was one of Rice’s best performances since moving to Arsenal, and just like one of his teammates, he proved he’s one of the best in the world in his position.
The Arsenal star who is one of the best in the world
What’s so great for Arteta and Arsenal is that there are plenty of other players you could single out for their performances against Bayern.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Eberechi Eze, for example, was incredible in the ten; Mikel Merino was unreal as a false nine, and Martin Zubimendi gave Rice the platform to thrive.
However, when it really came down to it, Jurrien Timber was the starter who really stood out alongside the former Hammer.
The Dutch international has been one of the team’s best players all season, but against the German behemoths, he really stepped it up a level.
On top of his usual incredible defensive performance, the former Ajax star was once again a dangerous outlet going forward.
For example, in addition to scoring the opening goal, he was constantly getting forward and helping make the right-hand side a real threat alongside Bukayo Saka.
Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old left quite the impression on the watching press, with Parsons also awarding him a 9/10 match rating and The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid dubbing him “the best right-back in the world at the minute.”
Once again, while it sounds like hyperbole, the full-back’s statistics prove otherwise.
In 81 minutes, he scored a goal, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won seven of eight duels, recovered the ball four times, wasn’t dribbled past once, completed 100% of his long balls and dribbles and won one foul.
Minutes
81′
Expected Goals
0.52
Goals
1
Tackles (Won)
2 (2)
Interceptions
1
Recoveries
4
Ground Duels (Won)
5 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won)
3 (3)
Long Balls
1/1
Dribbles
1/1
Ultimately, there is a long way to go this season, but Arsenal made a serious case for being the best team in Europe with their win over Bayern, and both Rice and Timber were key components of that.
A dream for Eze: Arsenal enter race to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"
The incredible goalscorer would make Arsenal far more dangerous and be a dream teammate for Eberechi Eze.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025