Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya believes Declan Rice’s performances against Real Madrid show how he is now among the top three midfielders in world football.
Rice was the star of the show as Arsenal knocked out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League earlier this month.
The midfielder was named man of the match in both legs, making headlines for the two stunning free-kicks he scored in the home game between the sides.
Rice is now looking to fire Arsenal to a first Champions League final since 2006, with the first leg of their semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
“He’s got to be top three [midfielders] in the world,” said Raya. “He can do everything from playing as a No6 to an No8, defending or attacking, and of course, he can take free kicks now!
“He’s better this season than he was last year, and he’s still young but he’s definitely made the step to become a top player and a leader.”
Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 earlier this season in the league phase of the Champions League, but Raya believes the French champions are a different side now.
PSG have beaten both Aston Villa and Liverpool on their run to the semi-finals, while they have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, too.
“I watched their match with Villa and it was a hell of a game,” said Raya. “Even if you look at from where we played them this season, they look a completely different team now.
“I think they press really well together and they play the same way from the first minute until the last.
“I tend to block everything out and focus on positive things [when preparing for big games] - so much so, that I don’t even remember the Champions League music playing!
“I think about situations like making saves, claiming crosses and making passes to make sure I start quickly, but never get ahead of myself, just make sure the first ones go well.
”Arsenal have been hit with a series of injuries this season, however they have managed to navigate them in their Champions League run.
The latest player to be struck down was Gabriel at the start of this month and he will miss the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
Jakub Kiwior has stepped up in the Brazilian’s absence and is due to start against PSG after an impressive showing in both legs with Real Madrid.
“People were surprised but we weren’t,” said Raya. “We know the quality that he has and although he hasn’t played many games, he always delivers.
“Across the team, when we’ve had people out, there’s always someone capable to step in and that shows the quality we have.”
Arsenal vs PSG will be broadcast live on Prime on April 29th with coverage starting from 6.30pm. Tuesday’s biggest UEFA Champions League fixture is shown exclusively on Prime at no extra cost to members.
