The midfielder’s astonishing free-kick brace in midweek caught the eye across Europe as three Arsenal players are also named in the Champions League Team of the Week.
Declan Rice has been named UEFA Champions League Player of the Week after scoring twice from free-kicks in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Both goals came in the second half on Tuesday night, the first curled past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead, the second struck from distance with even more power and precision.
The goals were his third and fourth in Arsenal’s last three home Champions League matches, underlining his growing influence at the top end of the pitch this season.
Rice was voted for by supporters, beating Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Robert Lewandowski, and Alessandro Bastoni to the award.
He was also included in the Champions League Team of the Week, along with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, after a performance that dismantled Madrid and put Arsenal in full control heading into the second leg.
The midfielder’s performance didn’t just light up a European tie, it set the tone for the squad. Speaking ahead of the weekend, Mikel Merino admitted his own goal was “overshadowed” by Rice’s “two world-class bangers” and called them “maybe one of the best in the history of the game.”
