Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals was a night to remember, thanks to Declan Rice’s stunning free kicks. The English midfielder scored two goals from set pieces, a surprising feat considering he had never scored a direct free kick before.
Rice’s goals earned him plenty of praise, but not everyone was impressed. Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder shared his thoughts on the matter. “I don’t think the free kicks were that impressive,” he said in an interview with Ziggo Sport. “It’s easy to curve the ball if you know how to strike it, and I know all about it.”
Sneijder broke down each goal, explaining what went wrong from a goalkeeper’s perspective. “On the first goal, Courtois made a mistake by positioning the wall incorrectly. He expected Saka to take the shot with his left foot, but a right-footed player like Rice had too much space. It was an easy shot for a right-footed player.”
He also analyzed the second goal, saying “Courtois took a step to the right and realized too late that the ball was going to his post. He relied on the wall and made an error.” Sneijder’s comments offer a unique insight into the mindset of a player who has experienced similar situations on the pitch.
Expert Analysis
Sneijder’s remarks sparked a debate about the quality of Rice’s free kicks. While some fans praised the midfielder’s skill, others agreed with Sneijder’s assessment. The discussion highlights the complexity of the game, where opinions can vary greatly depending on one’s perspective.
- Rice’s goals were his first direct free kicks in his career.
- The debate surrounding the quality of Rice’s free kicks continues, with some praising his skill and others agreeing with Sneijder’s assessment.