Arsenal’s Declan Rice issues passionate defence and praise of Manchester City star | OneFootball

Manchester City and England international star, Jack Grealish has been issued with major praise from his Three Lions teammate and close friend, Declan Rice.

The 28-year-old is firmly into a period of fine form for both club and country, with more onlookers recognising the importance of Jack Grealish’s unique qualities to both sides managed by Pep Guardiola and Lee Carsley.

Further emphasising his growing confidence on the pitch, it was Jack Grealish who opened the scoring in UEFA Nations League action on Sunday, converting one-vs-one against Finland following an excellent defence-splitting pass from Angel Gomes.

Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold was voted Player of the Match by England fans, Grealish’s performance earned rave reviews from both England’s interim head coach, and midfielder Declan Rice after the contest.

Speaking after England’s 1-3 win in the Nations League over Finland in Helsinki at the weekend, Rice was keen to issue major praise on Grealish after the Manchester City man scored his second goal in three outings for the Three Lions.

“Do you know how good Jack (Grealish) is,” Rice responded when the subject of the Manchester City forward was put to him on Sunday night.

“Honestly, you watch him in training and in games, and he’s got something that’s really special as a football player,” he continued.

“I’m not saying that because he’s one of my best friends in football; the way he takes the ball under pressure, takes touches, relieves you of pressure as a team is just incredible.

“For him to score again for England, and he’s been playing loads at Man City as well, he’s looked really confident.

“I’m buzzing for him – when we’ve got a Jack Grealish who is happy and smiling and playing well, he’s a massive boost for England and I think everyone can see that.”

An excellent showing and a goal to top things off closed out an incredible fortnight for Grealish both personally and professionally, after he and his girlfriend Sasha Attwood welcomed the birth of their daughter at the end of last month.