Declan Rice surprised football veteran Paul Scholes with his set-piece brilliance during Arsenal’s match against West Ham today. The Arsenal dominated the first half, thanks in part to Rice’s excellent deliveries.
Rice, famed for his defensive brilliance, showed a fresh side to his game by repeatedly delivering accurate set-pieces that tormented the West Ham defense.
Scholes, respected for his own expertise in dead-ball situations, couldn’t help but be surprised by Rice’s skill from such positions.
“Saka’s been a real threat and Trossard has been really good in midfield. Declan Rice’s delivery has surprised me a little bit, it’s been some fantastic balls in and that’s not something I knew he had in his locker.
Set pieces have been where West Ham have really struggled,” Scholes said.
The England midfielder’s ability to consistently deliver quality set-pieces highlights his dedication to improving all aspects of his game. With players like Gabriel, Saliba, Saka, and Trossard capitalizing on Rice’s deliveries, it’s evident that his contributions were instrumental in Arsenal’s first-half dominance.
Scholes, who played alongside the legendary David Beckham, understands the significance of having a reliable set-piece taker in the team. Rice’s emergence as a key player in this aspect bodes well for both Arsenal and England, as they seek success on domestic and international stages.
As Rice continues to hone his skills, his evolution into a top-class midfielder seems inevitable. His performance against West Ham serves as a testament to his determination and adaptability, leaving Scholes and spectators alike in awe of his newfound abilities.
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