“He’s run the show in both games” – Rio Ferdinand singles out Arsenal star for special praise | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has given special praise to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice for the way he stepped up in two big games against Real Madrid.

The Gunners secured a memorable result last night, winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu to give themselves a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Champions League holders.

Rice stole the show with two stunning free-kicks in the first leg, but he also put in a commanding midfield display in the second fixture.

The England international has always been regarded as a top player, but Ferdinand feels he’s elevated himself to another level now.

Ferdinand knows a thing or two about delivering on the biggest stage, and he feels Rice has made the most of this opportunity to show that he can control games at the very highest level.

Declan Rice lining up for Arsenal (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Declan Rice earns special praise after Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, as quoted by BBC Sport, Ferdinand said: “You need games like this in your career. You need to get to places like this to be properly judged.

“He’s stood up against the holders of this trophy and he’s not just competed, he’s run the show, he’s run the show in both games. He’s put himself in another bracket.”

Rice truly stood out as Arsenal’s main man at the Bernabeu, with a tireless display making it impossible for Real Madrid to create anything in midfield.

Jude Bellingham was kept quiet throughout, which is no mean feat, and Arsenal fans will now be dreaming of going all the way in this competition.

They’ll need another big performance like this from Rice in the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain, though AFC fans have already seen their team beat the Ligue 1 giants in the league phase of the tournament earlier this season.