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The similarities with David Beckham were clear as Declan Rice delivered two stunning long-range free-kicks to defeat the current European champions.
Arsenal’s £105 million acquisition had kept his set-piece abilities largely hidden throughout the first 405 matches of his professional career.
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However, in his 406th appearance, he pulled off a remarkable one-two in a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, surpassing even the iconic Goldenballs.
Rice should aspire to mirror Beckham in various areas, beginning with the captaincy of England.
The notion that modern football is devoid of ‘leaders’ and ‘communicators’ is often overstated and certainly dismisses Rice’s influence.
Thomas Tuchel was so convinced that England was lacking in leadership that he controversially included the 34-year-old Jordan Henderson in his first squad as Three Lions manager last month.
But why revert to Henderson when Rice is ready?
Defining Rice’s optimal role has often been a puzzle.
He began at West Ham as a young centre-back, primarily acting as a midfield anchor for England, yet takes on a box-to-box, Bryan Robson ‘Captain Marvel’ role at Arsenal.
This was clear on Tuesday night as the 15-time European champions were overpowered.
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Nonetheless, one aspect is clear: Rice is a natural leader.
Throughout his tenure at West Ham, he absorbed leadership traits from Mark Noble, one of the Premier League’s finest captains and most loyal players.
‘Give me your right foot please’ – Injured Arsenal star pleads with Declan Rice in the dressing room after stunning goals
At 26, Rice embodies the qualities of personality, teamwork, and leadership by example that are pivotal for an exceptional captain.
He is one of the sport’s most approachable figures, earning respect from both club and country.
The former Irishman speaks with genuine warmth and humor in interviews, serving as both a role model and a source of support in the dressing room.
What better example of leadership than persuading three of his teammates to let him take a free-kick from approximately 30 yards — and then executing it flawlessly, curving it around the Real wall, twice within 12 minutes?
Rice should aim to emulate Beckham in various aspects, starting with the captaincy of England.
Rice makes a more compelling case for the captaincy than Beckham, who led England 59 times, or the current long-standing captain Harry Kane.
Henderson was perceived as England’s true captain when his form justified a spot on the team, especially during the behind-closed-doors period when his active engagement with teammates was apparent.
Kane leads through his on-pitch performances but lacks vocal authority both on the field and in the locker room.
Rice, in contrast, perfectly matches the desired profile.
When Gareth Southgate named him captain for his 50th England cap against Belgium last year, Rice spoke with infectious enthusiasm and clarity, indicating it was only a matter of time before he succeeded Kane as the permanent captain.
He lifted West Ham’s long-awaited major trophy in the 2023 Conference League final against Fiorentina—his final match prior to the ‘half-price’ transfer to the Emirates.
At Arsenal, Rice is also the leading candidate for the captaincy.
Martin Odegaard, who has captained under Mikel Arteta for three seasons, is a more reserved individual currently facing struggles with his form and may benefit from less pressure.
The narrative that modern football lacks ‘leaders’ and ‘communicators’ is often exaggerated and it certainly overlooks Rice’s impact.
Even during that memorable victory over his former club Real, Odegaard struggled to make a meaningful impact.
The Norwegian’s rhythm and natural talent for delivering precision passes have diminished since an early-season injury.
Despite being the same age, Rice consistently inspires Arsenal, both vocally and through his actions.
Before the first of those two exceptional free-kicks, Odegaard and Saka both looked to Rice during an extended discussion.
Here’s someone who had never scored a direct free-kick in his first 405 matches, now convincing his teammates that he could hit one from 30 yards against Real Madrid.
If that doesn’t exemplify leadership, then what does?
