Declan Rice's 25-minute Arsenal debut was flawless, he didn't put a foot wrong

Declan Rice already looks like the perfect fit for Arsenal.

The former West Ham captain made his debut for the Gunners during their preseason clash against the MLS All Stars.

Arsenal, who have spent big money during the transfer window, got their campaign off to a winning start courtesy of an starightforward 5-0 victory.

And Rice, who only came off the bench in the 65th minute, put in a flawless performance in his debut for the club.

Declan Rice takes the pitch for the first time in an Arsenal shirt ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/y2vnv0zZZJ

— Back Again W/Troopz Podcast (@backagain) July 20, 2023

Granted, he was playing against an MLS All Stars side which was being constantly rotated by managed Wayne Rooney, but the Englishman still stood out like a sore thumb in the centre of the park.

Dictating the pace of the game, Rice's pass completion rate was perfect – not giving the ball away once.

Even in the scorching Washington heat after a lovely relaxing holiday on some picturesque European island somewhere, Rice still had plenty of gas in the tank and covered almost every blade of grass.

Rolls Rice was an engine in that midfield.

First declan rice touch in an arsenal shirt pic.twitter.com/fohoSrwZBU

— Julian Rosa (@JULlANESQUE) July 20, 2023

We even saw the 24-year-old spray some looping diagonal passes to see his team move up the field.

But above all else, his gorgeous first touch was on display as he linked up with the likes of Odegaard and Martinelli as well as fellow newcomers Timber and Havertz.

When it was announced over the PA system that Rice was going to be coming on as a substitute, the crowd roared.

But when he started showcasing his silky touch, he got an even bigger reception.

Declan Rice is so silky, Timber has so much technical ability it’s insane and Ødegaard is just magic. This 3 have moved me the most especially that Timber Rice Pivot. pic.twitter.com/6nRN2MRsMy

— jayden (@JayZAFC) July 20, 2023

Arsenal really bought Declan Rice. A few years ago we were putting our hopes on Sokratis Papastathopoulos. We’ve come so far from the projects.

— Zito (@_Zeets) July 20, 2023

Declan Rice’s technical game is so underrated

— Bhavs (@bhavss14) July 20, 2023

declan rice will give odegaard more freedom in the front.

— wumi (@TheBoykayy) July 20, 2023

Declan Rice world class player, comes in looks at home already and communicating already throughout the pitch! Need 1-2 more world class additions in strike and #10

— Arteta’s Gunners (@ArsenalHD8) July 20, 2023

Declan Rice is shocked a team can keep possession like this 😭

— ARTETA'S REVENGE (@jeffrey_dalyop_) July 20, 2023

Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber I am in love

— evan 》 (@afcevan) July 20, 2023

Odegaard dropping deep in build up and Rice and Timber pivot. We are cooking. Passing these blokes to death.

— AB (@TheAB_28) July 20, 2023

Excited already with Havertz, Odegaard and Rice in midfield! The difference since they came on looks too class! Timber looks really good already..positional play and passing is 👌🏽

— AJ Bailey ™ (@ajbails) July 20, 2023

Throughout the game, fans were impressed with what they were seeing and took to social media to have their say on his performance.

One person tweeted: "Declan Rice’s technical game is so underrated."

While another added: "Declan Rice is shocked a team can keep possession like this."

As a third joked: "Arsenal really bought Declan Rice. A few years ago we were putting our hopes on Sokratis Papastathopoulos. We’ve come so far from the projects."

Elsewhere in the game, fellow debutant Kai Havertz scored a goal in his first appearance for the club – a well-taken volley at the back post to make it 5-0.