Alan Pardew thinks that one of Arsenal’s 2024/25 victories completely transformed Declan Rice’s career.
The Arsenal midfielder has been making the headlines for his form this season, with Rice performing as one of the world’s best in his role at present.
Set pieces are a huge part of Rice’s game as the Gunners continue to dominate from dead-ball situations, carrying on from their impressive conversion rate from last season.
The 2024/25 campaign delivered Arsenal some memorable moments from set-pieces, with two of the greatest moments the Emirates Stadium has seen happening back in April.
Alan Pardew says Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid changed Declan Rice
Rice’s two direct free-kick goals stunned everyone in N5 as Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Just 12 minutes after Rice converted his first free-kick, the 26-year-old stood over another, placed even further out, and converted that one too.
When speaking about Rice on talkSPORT, Alan Pardew referred to that ‘special night’ under the lights at the Emirates, stating the impact the game had on the £105m signing’s career.
“His career so far has been extraordinary,” Pardew began.
“That special, special night in the Champions League last year, elevated him even further.”
Arsenal knew that the player they signed from West Ham had changed significantly in front of goal, but perhaps not to that degree so soon.
Even Jude Bellingham couldn’t believe that Rice scored twice from direct free-kicks, as the England international truly announced himself to the biggest stage of them all by achieving what no one would’ve anticipated.
Declan Rice collects FIFA award nomination for Real Madrid goal
Pardew recognised Rice’s double as a career-defining moment, and that’s just what it was, as the latest news reveals.
The nominees for the 2025 FIFA Puskas Award have been released, with Rice’s second strike against Real Madrid nominated for the award.
Rice was the only Premier League player nominated for this year’s award, which was won by Alejandro Garnacho in 2024 for his bicycle kick at Goodison Park.
Some performances are worthy of being spoken of over six months down the line, and Rice’s against the Galacticos was certainly one of them.
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