The Top 7 Best Matches of Declan Rice showcase the class of one of England’s finest midfielders — from precise tackles to sharp passes, each performance played a key role in his club and national team’s success.
Declan Rice vs. Manchester United
In January 2023, Declan Rice delivered a masterclass performance for West Ham against Manchester United. He demonstrated his rock-solid defensive ability, constantly intercepting passes and breaking up opposition attacks. Rice’s accurate distribution helped West Ham control the midfield and create dangerous attacking opportunities. His brilliance ensured West Ham earned a hard-fought draw at home — an impressive result against such a strong opponent.
More than a typical defensive midfielder, Rice played a vital role in building up play from deep. He was proactive in receiving the ball from defenders and distributing it intelligently. His excellent game reading allowed him to make the right decisions on when to intervene or hold position. This match perfectly illustrated Rice’s all-round quality and importance to West Ham — a match performance frequently referenced in Stats & Analysis for its near-perfect balance between interceptions, duel win rate, and pass completion under pressure.
Declan Rice vs. Chelsea
In a dramatic London derby in April 2022, Declan Rice once again proved his indispensable role for West Ham against Chelsea. His energy and aggression in midfield caused huge problems for the Blues. Rice’s composure under pressure, ball control, and ability to distribute effectively stood out as he initiated several attacking moves for his side.
He also showed excellent anticipation, often appearing in the right place to cover the defense and stop Chelsea’s advances. Although West Ham didn’t get the desired result, Rice’s individual performance shone brightly. His composure, leadership, and confidence inspired his teammates to compete toe-to-toe with one of the Premier League’s giants.
Declan Rice vs. Liverpool
In October 2021, Declan Rice produced one of the best performances of his career in West Ham’s thrilling 3–2 victory over Liverpool. Rice dominated the midfield battle, combining defensive solidity with intelligent ball distribution. His reading of the game allowed him to neutralize Liverpool’s attacks and launch rapid counterattacks.
His precise passing and quick transitions were key to West Ham’s success. The victory not only earned three crucial points but also solidified West Ham’s position in the European competition race. Fans and analysts alike hailed Rice’s display as one of the defining performances of that Premier League season.
Declan Rice vs. Tottenham Hotspur
In March 2022, Declan Rice played a pivotal role in West Ham’s convincing 3–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Beyond excelling defensively, he also contributed directly in attack, scoring one goal and assisting another. His all-action display showcased his growing attacking prowess in addition to his defensive reliability.
Rice’s energy and leadership lifted the entire team. He won key duels, pressed relentlessly, and motivated his teammates with his intensity. The performance drew widespread praise from pundits and fans, further cementing his status as one of England’s finest midfielders. That victory over Spurs was more than just three points — it was a statement of intent from West Ham and their captain-in-the-making.
Declan Rice vs. Ukraine
In the Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine, Declan Rice delivered an outstanding performance for England. Operating as the defensive anchor, he played with discipline and determination, helping secure a clean sheet as England advanced to the semi-finals. Rice’s tactical awareness and precise positioning allowed him to intercept and break up Ukraine’s attacks effectively.
His composure and accurate passing helped England maintain control and launch swift attacks. This match was a testament to Rice’s maturity and reliability on the international stage. His contribution was vital in England’s journey to the semi-finals — one of their best tournament runs in decades.
Declan Rice vs. Scotland
In the Euro 2020 group stage match against Scotland, Declan Rice was crucial in ensuring England kept a clean sheet. He displayed calmness and control in the holding midfield role, making it extremely difficult for Scotland to create meaningful chances. Rice excelled in aerial duels and was instrumental in protecting the backline.
In possession, he maintained composure and distributed the ball efficiently, helping England control the tempo. Although the match ended 0–0, Rice’s performance was widely praised for its consistency and tactical discipline. His stability in midfield provided England with a solid foundation to build upon for the rest of the tournament.
Declan Rice vs. Aston Villa
In August 2021, Declan Rice shone brightly against Aston Villa, scoring a brace in West Ham’s emphatic 4–1 win. This match showcased his evolution into a complete midfielder — capable of influencing both ends of the pitch. His two goals not only widened the gap but also reflected his confidence and composure in front of goal.
Beyond scoring, Rice orchestrated play from midfield, controlling tempo and supplying incisive passes to teammates. His performance earned widespread acclaim from pundits and supporters alike, confirming his position as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders. The dominant victory over Aston Villa boosted team morale and reinforced West Ham’s ambitions for a strong season ahead.
