Ally McCoist has shared, as Arsenal took on Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night, what has really surprised him about Declan Rice since his move to the Emirates.
Arsenal had to overturn a one goal deficit heading into the second-leg of their last 16 tie after a disappointing performance in Portugal.
Sergio Conceicao’s side would have surprised many who expected Arsenal to largely cruise to the quarter-finals of the competition. And with that, Arsenal had to play to all of their strengths.
Ally McCoist lauds Declan Rice in Arsenal tie
Of course, one of those massive strengths has been set-pieces this season. No side has scored more goals from dead ball situations than the Gunners in the Premier League this term. And Declan Rice has been the man to take many of them over the last few weeks.
Rice provided two assists in the emphatic win over West Ham last month, both of which came from set-pieces. And it was a similar story when he set up Jakub Kiwior for Arsenal’s fourth goal against Newcastle.
And as Rice went to take a corner for Arsenal against Porto, Ally McCoist told TNT Sports (broadcast on 12/3; 21:18) that he has been really surprised by how good the 25-year-old is in those situations.
“I need to tell you something, I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t have Declan Rice down as a corner kick taker. I don’t want to put the kiss of death on him here, but his delivery into the box has been first class,” he said.
Midfielder continues to pass every test with flying colours
Remarkably, this is already the best campaign of Rice’s career when it comes to assists in the Premier League. Before this year, his best return in the top-flight was four.
You would think – particularly given the form Arsenal seem to be in right now – that he would continue to add to his tally over the coming months.
In truth, it probably should not be a surprise. Rice has thrived with every challenge he has taken on in his career to date.
And that includes the step up with moving to Arsenal for a record fee.
The post 'Need to tell you something': Ally McCoist says he's been surprised by 'first-class' 25-year-old Arsenal star appeared first on TBR Football.