Iconic former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has now admitted that one Arsenal star is not the ‘best’ in his position.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are set to feature for England this evening against Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
Both players will have a vital role for Gareth Southgate’s side in this titanic clash. Saka has sparkled for the Three Lions in recent rounds, and made himself a hero against Switzerland with a strike from range and well-taken penalty in the shootout.
In the meantime, Rice has endured a more difficult tournament so far. The midfielder has struggled to produce the kind of form that he was often able to demonstrate under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal last season. Rice has come under fire from the English media at times.
However, he is still a world class player of course, and will be confident in his ability to raise his game in Berlin. Rice will certainly have to be at his best in the German capital city, as he will come up against Manchester City star Rodri in the middle of the park.
The Spanish maestro has been magnificent in the tournament so far. Rice will have to be constantly aware and diligent in order to prevent the Spaniard from dictating the match.
Arsenal ace Declan Rice set to go head-to-head with Rodri in Euro 2024 final
If Rodri is allowed to orchestrate the match then England will struggle to gain a foothold. Rice must therefore deny the 28-year-old space, win his duels against the Spanish star, and restrict passing options.
However, Paul Merson still expects Rodri to get the better of Rice. Speaking on Football’s Greatest, the pundit said: “Well, he’s playing against the master – the apprentice against the master this weekend.
“Rodri is the best. I am a Declan Rice fan, big Declan Rice fan, but Rodri is the best in the world in his position, he’s the best in the world.
“He scores big goals in big games, you know, scored in the tournament to get them back in the game. He scores big goals. Has done it for Manchester City so so so many times.”
Of course, Manchester City were not able to get the better of Arsenal last season, and Rice came up against Rodri a number of times over the course of the campaign. The former West Ham United man will believe that he has what it takes to win this battle.
In any case, Arsenal supporters may not all be entirely inclined to agree with Merson, but Manchester City fans will get a kick out of his comments.
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