Slavia Prague’s manager didn’t stop talking about Declan Rice ahead of Champions League clash

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Arsenal are ready for matchday four of the league phase of the Champions League, where they’ll face Slavia Prague.

Arsenal last met the Czech side in the 2020/21 Europa League; however, the last time the two clubs met in the Champions League was back in 2007.

In the 2020/21 Europa League, Mikel Arteta’s side overcame Slavia Prague in the quarter-finals, when the current Arsenal manager faced Prague’s current boss, Jindrich Trpisovsky.

Having faced Arteta’s Arsenal back then, Trpisovsky is familiar with the Spaniard’s game; however, before the contest, he shared his understanding that a lot has changed.

Trpisovsky was full of praise for the Gunners in his pre-match press conference as it became clear that he has a soft spot for one member of the Arsenal squad.

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky shares his thoughts about Declan Rice

Declan Rice is the man of the moment at Arsenal, not only thanks to his tremendous performance against Burnley at Turf Moor.

When speaking to the media, Trpisovsky praised Rice on many occasions, firstly by applauding his set-piece strengths.

“They have great players and probably the best set-piece executor in the world, Declan Rice.”

The Czech coach then mentioned Rice again, hailing his deliveries from dead-ball scenarios once more.  

“Declan’s execution is amazing, out of ten balls, he puts ten where he wants them. He can adapt quickly to set-piece movements and position changes. He knows where their top headers are.”

Rice is one of the best players in the world at the moment, and if one person knows it, it’s Trpisovsky, who went on to compare the midfielder to other opponents he’s faced over the years.

“We faced great players, but maybe the trajectory of their kicks wasn’t like Declan Rice’s,” he said.

It’s unsurprising to hear such high praise aimed at Rice at this moment, who is absolutely vital to Arteta’s project.

Declan Rice is the best set-piece taker in Europe

Rice said himself that he didn’t expect to be a set-piece taker at Arsenal, but ever since the change was made, he’s not looked back.

Even if the England international didn’t want to take set-pieces, he wouldn’t have a choice, simply because he’s so good at them.

The numbers don’t lie, as since Rice started taking set-pieces in January 2024, no player in Europe’s top five leagues has recorded more assists from set-play.

The same applies in the Premier League alone, as the Arsenal star is leading the race by five assists, with Alexis Mac Allister in second with five set-play assists since the start of 2024.

Even before he started taking set-pieces, Arsenal wouldn’t have been able to imagine life without Rice, which only emphasises his growing importance to Arteta’s project.