Declan Rice has credited watching Steven Gerrard as a primary influence on his development into Arsenal's midfield engine, revealing how the Liverpool icon shaped his approach to becoming a complete two-way player. With the Gunners preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest, the 27-year-old England midfielder is drawing inspiration from one of the Premier League's greatest to lead his side to European glory.
Rice explained that Mikel Arteta's coaching has accelerated his evolution into what the Arsenal manager famously describes as the club's "lighthouse"—a player capable of influencing play across the pitch. "He's just turned me into a more all-round midfielder, in terms of someone who can do a little bit of everything," Rice told UEFA.com. "I heard Steven Gerrard talk about when he played, he saw himself as a midfielder that could do a little bit of everything. I kind of say the same. I can do a little bit of attack, a little bit of defending."
Lessons from Past Finals Fuel Budapest Ambitions
Rice arrives at the showpiece carrying experience from previous European campaigns, though not all have ended in triumph. The midfielder captained West Ham United to Europa Conference League success in 2023, yet also endured defeats in two EURO finals with England and the domestic League Cup final. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, he views each setback as preparation for moments like these.
"I've lost a fair few finals now: two EURO finals, the League Cup final. It hurts because when you get to a final, you want to win that trophy," Rice reflected. "But also, all the little losses that you take stand you in really good stead. It makes you hungrier to want to go and win stuff." Arsenal's semi-final elimination by PSG last season remains unfinished business. Despite controlling stretches of both legs, the Gunners failed to convert their chances—a lesson Rice intends to apply in Budapest.
Clinical Finishing the Key Against PSG
As Arsenal prepare to meet the French champions again with European football's greatest prize at stake, Rice has emphasized the importance of ruthlessness in front of goal. "We played them over two legs last year. It could have gone either way, so speaking about it now, may the best team win," he noted. "What did we learn from last season's semi-final defeat? That you've got to take your chances, because we had plenty of them." The midfielder has thrived under pressure throughout his career and believes Arsenal's current squad possesses the mentality needed to succeed on the continent's grandest stage.
