Declan Rice believes Harry Kane is ‘clear winner’ for the Ballon d’Or

Declan Rice tipped England colleague Harry Kane to claim his first Ballon d’Or at Monday night’s ceremony in London, after Arsenal rescued a point in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.

Arsenal secured a 2-2 draw in their third league phase game of their Champions League campaign against Bayern Munich, courtesy of Declan Rice’s equaliser in the 82nd minute, which involved a silky combination down the right with Noni Madueke and substitute Viktor Gyökeres.

Eberechi Eze made it first blood to the visitors when he received a sumptuously lofted ball by captain Martin Ødegaard and fired into the bottom right corner to assuage the swirling scrutiny over his role in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Six-time winners Bayern Munich had vivacious attacking strength even with Michael Olise entirely absent due to suspension and Luis Díaz left on the bench as a precaution, initially at least.

Talisman Harry Kane was wielding his playmaking prowess just as much as making no mistake with his finishing to produce a stellar display.

Dropping into deeper areas throughout, he found the reinstated livewire of Alphonso Davies for Bayern’s leveller to notch a pinpoint assist.

He followed this up by converting his penalty kick in the second half and sending David Raya the wrong way, providing the latest reminder about his all-round qualities and credentials to be crowned a Ballon d’Or winner.

Following the final whistle at the Allianz Arena with the spoils shared, England teammates and goalscorers Rice and Kane embraced, and the mutual respect was also evident in their post-match reflections.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Rice heaped praise on Kane: 'For me, Kane is the clear winner [of the Ballon d’Or]. His numbers speak for themselves. The year he’s had has been remarkable.

'When you play with him, you realise how good he is. When you play against him, you realise how much of a pain it is. As a striker, to play that pass for that goal, he’s ridiculous, such a good player.'

Kane will have to fend off Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé to claim the Ballon d’Or, and the ceremony will be held in London for the first time.

Bayern will travel to Freiburg on Sunday hoping to remain at the top of the Bundesliga, before Kane can turn his attention to Monday night.

He said: 'It would be a massive honour. I've made it clear, I don't like to talk about myself, but of course, I know it would be a massive achievement if it does happen.'

He will be bidding to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen to win the most prestigious individual award football has to offer.