However, the night could have been very different for Rice after he was determined to have pulled Killian Mbappe down in the penalty area at the goal of the game.
However, the decision was overturned by a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, and rather the fear had a negative effect on him, and Rice gave the judge a thumbs up, continuing as if it hadn’t happened.
“Two games to solidify yourself as one of the best midfielders on the planet,” former Arenaal centre back Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“DeClan Rice does that in these two games.”
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand added to TNT Sports:
“He’s facing this trophy holder, and he’s not only competing, but he’s running shows and running shows in both games. He’s on a different bracket.”
Rice’s two-legged five intercepts were the most of the players involved, and had the smallest shot at the target (4).
He has seven goals in every competition this season, matching his previous best in one campaign.
The list of the world’s most complete midfielders must now include rice, and he deserves full praise.
“It’s a special night for this club and a historic night for this club. There was a purpose in this competition. I want to win this competition,” he told TNT Sports.
Once that objective is achieved, this performance may become remembered in the same way as Turin’s Roy Keene – an Irishman-inspired display helped Manchester United win Juventus and reach the 1999 Champions League final. Or Steven Gerrard’s heroic efforts when Liverpool fought back from 3-0 by defeating AC Milan to unlock the 2005 trophy in Istanbul.
But French champions PSG next, Arsenal and Rice still have something to do.
