Former Rangers striker says Declan Rice free kick 'one of the best I’ve ever seen'

Add Ally McCoist's name to the growing list of football pundits awed by Declan Rice's sublime performance in Wednesday's 3-0 Arsenal victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Rice was instrumental in the Gunners' landmark victory, which gives them a massive advantage in their quarter-final tie ahead of next week's second leg in Madrid. The 26-year-old struck two picture-perfect free kicks to pace his side to the victory, becoming just the fifth player in history to score two direct free kicks in a single Champions League match.

(Getty Images)

McCoist is the latest football personality to weigh in on Rice's performance, labelling the Arsenal midfielder a "difference-maker" against the Spanish giants.

“What I saw [Tuesday] night was someone taking the game by the scruff of the neck,” the former Rangers and Scotland striker told talkSPORT BET. “That performance is exactly why Arsenal signed Declan Rice in the first place, and I don’t agree with people that say he wasn’t a worthwhile signing, even considering the cost. I think he’s been a good signing and he certainly has the ability and talent to be the difference-maker in big games.

“Both free kicks were amazing. His first one was magical, but that second was up there with one of the best I’ve ever seen. He gave us two incredible moments that made your jaw drop to the floor!

“When Rice is on his game, he can go to a level of his own. I think there is a difference between him and Jude Bellingham in the sense of their playing styles and positions, but he has the potential to go right to the top.”

With Rice in top form, McCoist can see the Gunners going far in the competition — perhaps even winning it.

“I don’t see any reason why Arsenal can’t win the Champions League," he said.

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