Rory McIlroy is the unquestioned leader, heart and soul of the European Ryder Cup team that has bold plans to defeat the U.S. this week on foreign soil in front of the daunting Bethpage Black faithful.

He’s the team’s highest-ranked player, No. 2 in the world. He’s the most experienced Ryder Cupper on the team, having played 33 matches. He, too, is in the midst of an historic year, having completed the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory in April.

McIlroy has become Team Europe’s unofficial mouthpiece, having publicly predicted victory in these matches all the way back to the immediate aftermath of Europe’s win in Rome two years ago and recently doubling down with a victory guarantee on social media during the Walker Cup.

He won’t have to wait long to put his money where his mouth is, paired with Tommy Fleetwood in the third foursomes match out Friday morning against Collin Morikawa and Harris English. McIlroy and Fleetwood went 2-0 in foursomes two years ago in Rome.