Detailed Comparison: Declan Rice vs. Jude Bellingham
The comparison between Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham revolves around two distinct midfield styles: Rice focuses on defense and box-to-box energy, while Bellingham thrives as a creative attacking midfielder.
Declan Rice
- Role: Initially a defensive midfielder, Rice has transitioned into a more dynamic box-to-box role at Arsenal.
- Defensive Strengths: Excellent at regaining possession and breaking up play, often recording high interception numbers.
- Tackling Ability: Known for his strong tackling and physical presence in midfield.
- Creativity: Increasingly contributes to goals and assists, especially in recent seasons as his role expands.
Jude Bellingham
- Role: Primarily an attacking or central midfielder, with experience playing in various forward positions.
- Attacking Strengths: More of a goal-scoring and creative midfielder, with a high number of progressive dribbles.
- Creativity: Often plays in advanced areas, allowing him to score and create chances for teammates.
- Versatility: Has played in multiple midfield and forward roles, showcasing his adaptability — an aspect often quantified in Stats & Analysis, which compares Bellingham’s attacking zones, dribble success, and shot-creation data to peers across Europe.
Head-to-Head on the Pitch
- Recent Encounter: In the recent match between Arsenal and Real Madrid, Rice’s defensive dominance was on full display as he effectively neutralized Bellingham.
- Passing: Both players have similar passing accuracy rates.
- Defensive Duties: While both are top-tier midfielders, their defensive responsibilities differ—Rice typically carries a heavier defensive workload.
Differences in Style and Role
Rice and Bellingham represent two contrasting midfield archetypes. Rice is a true “destroyer,” intercepting attacks and shielding the backline. He excels at reading the game, making clean tackles, and being present in key areas.
Bellingham, on the other hand, is a complete attacking midfielder. He boasts technical dribbling, creative passing, and sharp finishing. Bellingham often makes late runs into the box and creates scoring opportunities for others.
This stylistic contrast explains why Rice managed to “lock down” Bellingham in their recent clash. Rice focused on limiting Bellingham’s space, cutting off his supply, and reducing his overall creative influence.
Rice “Masterclass”, Bellingham “Disastrous” in Real Madrid’s Forgettable Night
The clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, especially the midfield duel between Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, drew massive attention. Before the match, Bellingham was highly rated and expected to shine. However, Rice proved his big-game pedigree, while Bellingham displayed frustration and lack of composure. Rice’s performance not only solidified Arsenal’s dominance but also raised questions about Bellingham’s maturity.
Before kickoff, Bellingham had made some confident remarks—but his on-pitch display told a different story. Rice completely “suffocated” him, showing that he can rise to the occasion when pressure peaks.
In contrast, the Real Madrid midfielder showed excessive frustration. He looked like a child who had lost his pacifier—only a step away from bursting into tears.
While fighting spirit is an essential quality for any midfielder, Bellingham is starting to show signs of complacency. He seems to be believing too much in his own hype.
During the second half, TNT Sports commentators went at least ten minutes without mentioning his name. Some viewers might have thought he’d been substituted due to his complete invisibility during that stretch.
Rice Proves His Worth as Bellingham “Goes Missing”
While Bellingham vanished, Rice roamed the pitch like a man determined to prove he belongs on the grandest stage.
Rice had previously struggled in big matches—his two poor performances against Aston Villa last season being notable examples.
However, his display at the Santiago Bernabeu was commendable. He “locked down” Bellingham and continuously pushed Arsenal forward whenever possible.
Rice still needs to replicate such dominance against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals. And if Arsenal advance, he’ll need to do it again in the final.
If Rice helps Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy, he will silence his critics once and for all.
