5 days ago
4
Declan Rice stole the headlines in Arsenal's victory over Bournemouth on Saturday after coming back from injury to score twice and take the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Rice has continued to flourish in a more attacking midfield role - having initially been a defensive midfielder for West Ham and when first moving to the Emirates.
Advertisement
But it was just the second time in his 375 senior club appearances that he netted more than once in a game, alongside last season's remarkable free-kick double against Real Madrid.
"I thought it was a masterclass," former England forward Jermain Defoe told BBC Match of the Day. "In and out of possession he was so good, even the other side of the game, all of the second balls he won and his positioning, his pitch geography.
"He's definitely up there with the best midfielders in Europe. He's a key player for Arsenal in the title race.
"I think he can score more goals, but it was such a good performance."
Advertisement
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison added: "He is some player.
"He missed the game midweek so everyone was a bit worried, but he was fantastic against Bournemouth. He is one the best players around and on a different level at the moment.
"He covers the ground so well and this season he has added more goals to his game so that makes him a complete midfielder.
"Rice and Moises Caicedo are the best midfielders in Europe right now, but Rice has more goals."
Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds
English (US) ·