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Pundit heaps praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice

By on May 6, 2024

Declan Rice

Former forward turned pundit Gary Lineker has heaped praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice following his impressive display against Bournemouth last weekend.

After letting Granit Xhaka leave the club, the North London club opted to break the club record by signing the Englishman from West Ham United last summer. Upon moving to the Emirates Stadium, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign this term, helping his side mount a title charge.

The midfielder displayed an impressive performance versus the Cherries last Saturday – where the Gunners won the game 3-0. Rice assisted the second goal while scoring the third.

Now, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Lineker heaped praise on Rice following his eye-catching performance against Bournemouth and said that the former West Ham star has enjoyed an ‘outstanding’ campaign this term. The pundit further claims that Rice is excellent with the ball at his feet and is ‘exceptional’ running with it.

Lineker also jokingly doubted whether Rice would be in the England squad for the upcoming Euro 24 and also said that it is going to be interesting to see where Gareth Southgate deploys him in the starting eleven, considering he is comfortable playing in the holding midfield position and the number eight role.

Pundit heaps praise on Rice

Lineker said:

“Perhaps the star man was Declan Rice, he has had an outstanding season. He’s really good at running with the ball, isn’t he? Bursting the lines, he is exceptional at that. Lots of good stats, do you think he will make the England squad?(joked).

“The issue for Gareth Southgate will be where he plays. Whether he plays him holding because they are a little bit short there. Six or an eight. He can play either.”

Following a comfortable victory over Bournemouth, Arsenal are currently at the top of the table with 83 points from 36 games, sitting only one point ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

The Gunners will face off against Manchester United at Old Trafford next before taking on Everton on the final day of the season. So, Arsenal will have to earn six points from their next two games to push Man City all the way for the league title.