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Ask any passionate Arsenal supporter who they believe is the finest midfielder in world football, and the answer is almost unanimous: Declan Rice. Some fans even argue that the Englishman deserves the Ballon d'Or after spearheading the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years and guiding them to the Champions League final. Yet, scepticism still lingers elsewhere.

This Saturday presents the 27-year-old with the perfect chance to silence his critics once and for all as he prepares for a massive clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the grand finale of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

A victory would hold immense personal meaning for Rice, especially as he faces three midfielders who many consider superior to him, in the showdown taking place in Budapest. Should he emerge as the dominant force in that battle, his detractors would find it hard to deny that he ranks among the best – perhaps even the very best – midfielders in the world.

To achieve that, Rice may need to return to the fundamentals that define his game.

Daunting task

This will undoubtedly be the biggest match of Rice’s club career, and he may never again encounter such a formidable challenge in midfield. PSG boast what many regard as the most balanced midfield trio in world football.

Vitinha earns most of the plaudits as PSG’s tempo-setter, orchestrating play from the centre and launching attacks with his sharp movement and precise passing. He also contributes in the final third, registering 17 combined goals and assists in the 2025-26 season, and can outmanoeuvre almost anyone when in form.

Joao Neves, often overshadowed by his compatriot Vitinha, is the workhorse of the trio. Yet he possesses excellent vision and an impressive passing range, capable of creating danger from deep positions – highlighted by his superb assist against Liverpool in the quarter-finals and his unlikely header versus Bayern Munich in the semis.

Fabian Ruiz, meanwhile, remains PSG’s underrated engine. His surging runs, tactical awareness and creativity make him a dynamic presence. He scored a stunning goal against Arsenal in last year’s semi-final and played a pivotal role in this season’s triumphs over Bayern. Though a knee injury disrupted his campaign, the Spanish international is fit again, posing a major threat to Arsenal’s hopes.

Warren Zaire-Emery is expected to start on the bench, but his introduction later in the game adds even more energy and quality to PSG’s midfield unit.

Making amends

Last year’s painful semi-final defeat to the French champions still weighs on Rice’s mind, especially given his involvement in the 3-1 aggregate loss. It was the England midfielder who was drawn toward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s dazzling footwork just four minutes into the first leg at the Emirates, leaving Ousmane Dembele unmarked near the box.

The Georgian found Dembele with a low pass, and the winger’s finish off the post gave PSG an early lead. Arsenal never fully recovered, losing the home leg 1-0 – a deficit that proved decisive.

‘Got to take your chances’

Rice insists that Arsenal have learned vital lessons from that 2024-25 semi-final exit as they aim to go all the way this time, boosted by their long-awaited league triumph.

Speaking to UEFA ahead of this year’s final, he said: “PSG are a really strong side. We faced them over two legs last year, and it could have gone either way. Hopefully, the best team wins.”

He added, “What did we learn from last season’s defeat? You’ve got to take your chances, because we had plenty. It wasn’t our time then, but those experiences prepare you for moments like this. We’ll be ready.”

Weak link?

Rice cannot handle PSG’s midfield alone; facing three world-class opponents single-handedly would be nearly impossible. He will require support, meaning Mikel Arteta’s team selection will be crucial.

Martin Zubimendi began the season brightly, proving an excellent partner for Rice after his move from Real Sociedad. However, as the season progressed, the relentless Premier League schedule began to impact his performances. He has played over 4,000 minutes – more than ever before – ranking third in total game time behind Rice and goalkeeper David Raya. His attacking influence has declined, with his last goal or assist coming in February.

While Zubimendi remains solid defensively, Arteta might turn to 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has impressed recently with composed performances in midfield and at left-back. Fresher and full of energy, Lewis-Skelly could be an ideal partner for Rice in this monumental fixture.

Shift in focus

Although Rice has thrived as a box-to-box midfielder under Arteta, the manager may ask him to revert to his defensive roots in the final. Arsenal are likely to spend long periods without possession against PSG’s technically gifted trio, meaning Rice’s role will be to disrupt their rhythm, track runners and make vital interceptions – responsibilities that perfectly suit his strengths as a deep-lying No.6.

While Rice has the athleticism to operate as a No.8, his limited attacking numbers suggest his true value lies in shielding the defence. Even PSG boss Luis Enrique recognises that defensive solidity is Arsenal’s greatest strength.

“We’ve already faced this Arsenal side, so we know their capabilities,” Enrique said recently. “Without the ball, they are the best team in the world, and with it, they can score plenty. It’s an exceptional balance.”

He continued, “When you study Arsenal’s stats, you can see Mikel Arteta’s leadership. He’s instilled a winning mentality, and the team has progressed each season. They adore possession, but they’re the best side in Europe when playing without it.”

‘Opportunity’

As the final approaches, Rice knows he has a golden chance not only to lift the most coveted club trophy in Europe but also to silence critics and cement his place among the world’s elite midfielders.

If he can outperform Vitinha, Neves, and Ruiz – three of the finest midfielders in football today – few would dispute his credentials as one of the best, if not the best, in his position.

Rice is fully aware of what’s at stake. “You need to be on your A-game to beat PSG,” he told UEFA. “You need that fire inside you from the first whistle, knowing you’re going to win. The Champions League final – it doesn’t get bigger than this. What an opportunity.”

He added, “It’s the last club game of the season, so we’ll give everything – one final push, empty the tank, and do whatever it takes to lift this beautiful trophy with Arsenal.”