Unstoppable or Avoidable? The Truth Behind Declan Rice’s Free-Kick Goals

Unstoppable or Avoidable? The Truth Behind Declan Rice’s Free-Kick Goals

By Audoz Buzz Sports Desk

[April 9, 2025] – When Declan Rice steps up to a dead ball, defenders hold their breath — and goalkeepers pray. But after his recent run of spectacular free-kick goals, the football world is divided: Are these strikes simply unstoppable brilliance, or are defenders and keepers guilty of costly errors?

Rice, typically known for his defensive grit and midfield control, has stunned fans with three thunderbolt free-kick goals in just five matches. The latest? A 30-yard rocket that left the opposition keeper rooted to the spot as it crashed into the top corner.

But now, replays and slow-motion analyses are sparking a heated debate. Is Rice developing into a set-piece specialist, or are tactical flaws and poor positioning behind the drama?

Let’s break it down:

The Wall: Tactical Misfire?

In two of Rice’s goals, the wall was poorly constructed and slow to react. In his strike against Newcastle, the wall jumped early — giving Rice just enough gap to whip the ball under their feet. Football analyst Chris Sutton described it bluntly: “That’s not magic. That’s a schoolboy error.”

The Keeper: Too Late, Too Static?

In his latest goal against Brighton, keeper Jason Steele appeared flat-footed, reacting milliseconds too late. “Rice hit it with power and dip, sure,” said former England keeper Rob Green, “but that shot was savable. His positioning was slightly off, and his weight wasn’t balanced.”

The Technique: Pure Power Meets Precision

What can’t be denied is the quality of Rice’s strike. His free-kicks combine power, swerve, and deceptive timing. Unlike classic curlers, Rice hits the ball with a knuckleball-style technique that makes it dip and move mid-air — a nightmare for any shot-stopper.

Unstoppable or Avoidable? The Verdict

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Rice is clearly evolving, adding a new weapon to his game that opponents are now forced to respect. But defensive setups and goalkeeping lapses have certainly contributed.

As Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta put it: “You can’t teach confidence like that. Declan’s been staying late in training, practicing those exact shots. He earned those goals — and we’ll take every one.”

So, is Rice unstoppable? Not yet — but he’s learning to make you think he is. And that’s what makes him so dangerous.

Next time he places the ball and takes that breath, everyone will be watching — especially the keeper.


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