Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has named Arsenal star among the toughest players he has faced in the Premier League

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has faced some of the world’s best midfielders since arriving in the Premier League, but when asked to name his toughest opponents, the Portuguese playmaker had an interesting response. Among the players he struggled most against, an Arsenal star stood out, leaving fans intrigued by the selection.

Fernandes, who has been a key figure at Old Trafford since joining the club in 2020, has consistently delivered top performances, recording an impressive 161 goal involvements in 259 appearances. Yet, despite his creative brilliance, he admitted that certain midfielders have made life extremely difficult for him.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports’ Saturday Social, Fernandes revealed:

“In the Premier League, you play against top players. [N’Golo] Kanté was difficult, Rodri is really difficult, Declan Rice is really difficult.”

The mention of Arsenal’s Declan Rice has particularly caught the attention of fans, as it highlights just how much of an impact the Englishman has made since joining Mikel Arteta’s side. Rice, who completed a blockbuster £105 million transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United in the summer of 2023, has taken his game to another level, proving to be a dominant force in midfield.

Fernandes’ selection of Rice, along with Kanté and Rodri, sheds light on the type of midfielders who have given him the most problems—defensive workhorses who possess immense physicality, intelligence, and an ability to control the tempo of a match.

N’Golo Kanté, a two-time Premier League winner, was one of the most feared midfielders in the division before his move to Saudi Arabia. His relentless energy, world-class tackling ability, and knack for winning duels made him an absolute nightmare for attacking midfielders like Fernandes.

Rodri, on the other hand, has established himself as arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world, playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. His positional awareness, passing range, and defensive solidity make him one of the most difficult players to play against in the Premier League.

But it is the inclusion of Declan Rice that has sparked the most discussion. Since moving to Arsenal, Rice has further developed into an elite box-to-box midfielder, excelling in both defensive and attacking aspects of the game. His ability to break up play, dictate possession, and drive forward has transformed Arsenal’s midfield, and Fernandes’ struggles against him suggest just how influential the former West Ham captain has become.

What makes Rice particularly difficult to play against is his versatility. Unlike traditional defensive midfielders who primarily focus on shielding the backline, Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder under Arteta. He is capable of pressing high, distributing the ball efficiently, and even chipping in with crucial goals when needed.

For Fernandes, who thrives on finding space and dictating United’s attacking play, going up against players like Rice is a challenge because they limit his time on the ball, close down passing lanes, and impose themselves physically. In a league as competitive as the Premier League, such battles often decide the outcome of key fixtures.

Arsenal fans will be delighted to hear Fernandes acknowledge Rice’s impact, as it further validates the Englishman’s rise to becoming one of the league’s most dominant midfielders. Many believe Rice is the missing piece in Arsenal’s quest for major silverware, and his ability to neutralize top playmakers like Fernandes only strengthens that argument.

This revelation also comes at a time when Manchester United and Arsenal are set to battle for a top-four finish and, potentially, the Premier League title. With both clubs investing heavily in their squads, midfield battles like Fernandes vs. Rice could prove to be decisive in shaping the outcome of the season.

Fernandes’ comments highlight the importance of a strong defensive midfielder in modern football. While attacking players often steal the headlines, it is midfielders like Rice, Rodri, and Kanté who do the dirty work, breaking up opposition attacks and providing the foundation for their teams to thrive.

As the season progresses, fans will be eager to witness more duels between Fernandes and Rice, as these matchups showcase the highest level of footballing intelligence and skill. With Arsenal looking stronger than ever and United hoping to bounce back from an inconsistent start, every encounter between these two giants will be a thrilling spectacle.

With Fernandes acknowledging Rice’s ability as one of the toughest challenges he has faced, Arsenal fans will feel even more confident about their midfield general’s ability to lead them to success. Meanwhile, United supporters will hope that their captain can find a way to overcome these obstacles and drive the Red Devils to victory in future meetings.

One thing is certain—Declan Rice has well and truly arrived at the highest level, and when a player of Fernandes’ caliber names him as one of his toughest opponents, it speaks volumes about his growing reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.