Arsenal’s Declan Rice was full of praise for one Manchester United star who has been a standout performer at Euro 2024.
Declan Rice was phenomenal for Arsenal last season after becoming their club-record signing and he could return to North London as a European champion if England are successful on Sunday evening.
He has played every single minute of England’s Euro campaign so far and is expected to start again for Gareth Southgate‘s team against Spain in the final.
He will likely be partnered with Manchester United‘s Kobbie Mainoo, who has forced his way into Southgate’s midfield plans after the Three Lions made a slow start to the tournament.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Red Devils last season and has quickly become a regular for both club and country.
He has formed a strong relationship in the heart of midfield with Rice and the Arsenal star had plenty of kind words for his new partner.
Declan Rice reveals why he loves Kobbie Mainoo
Rice and Mainoo will battle it out in midfield when Arsenal and Manchester United meet in the Premier League, but for England they have formed a strong partnership.
Speaking to the media ahead of the final, Rice said: “We have become a nice partnership. What I like about him is that he is not scared to say it how it is.
“When he gave me a pass between the lines and I got sold short for it, we had to sprint back and we had a bit at each other. But that is good because you need that relationship and at 19 I can’t imagine many saying that to older players.
“That’s what I love about him, that is what the lads love about him. He gets that respect, he has that leadership.”
Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United next season
It has not taken long at all for Mainoo to go from an academy star to one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s teamsheet.
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He will have a pivotal role to play in United’s upcoming season and he is bound to return to training full of confidence after an exceptional summer with England.
The expectations surrounding Mainoo will inevitably increase but he is perhaps the most composed teenager in the league and there should be little doubt that he can handle the extra responsibility.
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