Rice aims to help Arsenal reach their first Champions League final since 2006, and Gilberto believes that Rice's stability and performance will be crucial in achieving this goal. Gilberto praises Rice's ability to improve with each game and thinks that he can be a dominant force in midfield, alongside Thomas Partey or other teammates.
With Thomas Partey suspended, Rice will have a bigger role to play against Paris Saint-Germain's talented midfielders, including Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Gilberto sees Rice as the pivotal player in the midfield, responsible for both defending and supporting the attackers like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard.
Rice's physical presence has been a significant asset to the team, and Gilberto notes that he has been crucial in both attacking and defensive situations. Rice has earned back-to-back Player of the Match awards in the previous round and could help Arsenal make history against PSG at the Emirates Stadium.
Gilberto acknowledges that Arsenal has faced injuries this season and emphasizes the importance of unity and teamwork in their current situation. He hopes that the team can find a way to cope with the absence of suspended players and work together to achieve their goals.