Bruno Guimaraes has praised Declan Rice as an 'unbelievable' player after the midfielder inspired Arsenal's late comeback against Bayern Munich. Rice scored an 82nd-minute equaliser at the Allianz Arena to secure a 2-2 draw and maintain Arsenal's unbeaten start in the Champions League.
A Growing Partnership
Rice has formed a solid partnership with Guimaraes since the Brazilian joined Arsenal from Newcastle in a £75million move. Guimaraes, speaking after the match, was full of admiration for his team-mate.
"He's so good, he's an unbelievable player, unbelievable guy," Guimaraes said. "He's trying to help me a lot since my first day in the club. I think he can play like me as a six, as an eight, as a 10, everywhere in the midfield. I think the manager is still trying to get the best version of ourselves."
On-Pitch Chemistry
Guimaraes highlighted their on-pitch roles in the Bayern game, noting, "Today, I played more as a six, he plays more as an 8. I enjoy a lot playing with him, with Martin [Odegaard] as well, a top player, so good with the ball. The pass from him here today for [Eberechi] Eze was an unbelievable pass. I think we've had a good run so far, we've been enjoying playing with each other."
Reflecting on their past rivalry during his Newcastle days, the 28-year-old added: "I was not nice to him when we played against each other, he was not nice to me. But now we are nice to each other and try to help each other on the pitch. Now I'm trying to enjoy my new team-mates."
A Memorable Encounter
In the second half, with the score at 1-1, Guimaraes came close to putting Arsenal ahead with a header, but a world-class save from Manuel Neuer denied him. Harry Kane then made it 2-1 from the penalty spot before Rice's late equaliser.
"I think it was an unbelievable game for someone who likes football, and we showed good character from the team," Guimaraes continued. "Neuer saved my header. It was an unbelievable save, I was already celebrating and he made a beautiful save from my point of the view."
Guimaraes also shared his exchange with Neuer after the match: "I asked him after the game, 'how did you manage to save it?' And he said, I still don't know how I saved it! He's an unbelievable 'keeper for me. One of the best 'keepers in the world. No matter how old he is, he's top."
Looking ahead, Guimaraes said: "It's just the standard of the Champions League, two top teams fight for every ball until the end. I think it was a good game. Of course we want to win, but a draw in the end is okay. Saturday (against Everton) we have a top game at home and we have to be very good at home because we want to win the Premier League again."
