Declan Rice appears to be an ideal match for Arsenal, as the former West Ham captain made his debut for the Gunners in their preseason match against the MLS All Stars.
Arsenal, who have made significant investments in the transfer window, began their campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory.
Rice, although introduced as a substitute in the 65th minute, delivered a faultless performance in his first appearance for the club.
Declan Rice takes the pitch for the first time in an Arsenal shirt ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/y2vnv0zZZJ
— Back Again W/Troopz Podcast (@backagain) July 20, 2023
Indeed, it is worth noting that the MLS All Stars side was frequently rotated by manager Wayne Rooney during the match. Despite this, Declan Rice, the Englishman, prominently distinguished himself in the midfield during the game.
His standout performance was evident, even in the midst of the changes made to the opposing team.
Declan Rice exhibited exceptional control over the game, dictating its pace with remarkable precision. His pass completion rate was flawless, as he did not give the ball away even once.
Despite playing in the scorching Washington heat after a refreshing holiday on a picturesque European island somewhere, Rice displayed impressive endurance, covering nearly every inch of the pitch.
In the midfield, he functioned like a well-oiled engine, tirelessly contributing to Arsenal’s performance.
First declan rice touch in an arsenal shirt pic.twitter.com/fohoSrwZBU
— Julian Rosa (@JULlANESQUE) July 20, 2023
During the match, the 24-year-old showcased his ability to execute looping diagonal passes, effectively advancing his team up the field.
Most notably, his exquisite first touch was on full display as he skillfully connected with players such as Odegaard, Martinelli, Timber, and Havertz – forming promising link-ups with both established teammates and new arrivals.
The announcement of Rice’s substitution was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, but the reception grew even louder when he began demonstrating his smooth and skillful ball control.
Declan Rice is so silky, Timber has so much technical ability it’s insane and Ødegaard is just magic. This 3 have moved me the most especially that Timber Rice Pivot. pic.twitter.com/6nRN2MRsMy
— jayden (@JayZAFC) July 20, 2023
Arsenal really bought Declan Rice. A few years ago we were putting our hopes on Sokratis Papastathopoulos. We’ve come so far from the projects.
— Zito (@_Zeets) July 20, 2023
Declan Rice’s technical game is so underrated
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) July 20, 2023
declan rice will give odegaard more freedom in the front.
— wumi (@TheBoykayy) July 20, 2023
Declan Rice world class player, comes in looks at home already and communicating already throughout the pitch! Need 1-2 more world class additions in strike and #10
— Arteta’s Gunners (@ArsenalHD8) July 20, 2023
Declan Rice is shocked a team can keep possession like this 😭
— ARTETA’S REVENGE (@jeffrey_dalyop_) July 20, 2023
Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber I am in love
— evan 》 (@afcevan) July 20, 2023
Odegaard dropping deep in build up and Rice and Timber pivot. We are cooking. Passing these blokes to death.
— AB (@TheAB_28) July 20, 2023
Excited already with Havertz, Odegaard and Rice in midfield! The difference since they came on looks too class! Timber looks really good already..positional play and passing is 👌🏽
— AJ Bailey ™ (@ajbails) July 20, 2023
Throughout the game, fans were impressed with what they were seeing and took to social media to have their say on his performance.
One person tweeted: “Declan Rice’s technical game is so underrated.”
While another added: “Declan Rice is shocked a team can keep possession like this.”
As a third joked: “Arsenal really bought Declan Rice. A few years ago we were putting our hopes on Sokratis Papastathopoulos. We’ve come so far from the projects.”
Elsewhere in the game, fellow debutant Kai Havertz scored a goal in his first appearance for the club – a well-taken volley at the back post to make it 5-0.