Manuel Pellegrini’s latest comments about Jack Wilshere could potentially spell trouble for youngster Declan Rice.
The Hammers will be seeking to bounce back from Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool by getting three points against Eddie Howe’s men at the London Stadium.
It could be a tricky game for the Irons with the Cherries having looked impressive against Cardiff City at the Vitality Stadium.
Pellegrini will have been hard at work throughout the week, and it appears he has made his mind up about one of his players.
He said, as quoted by football.london: “I see Jack [Wilshere] playing as a holding midfielder. He can give us good build up.”
That is interesting considering Wilshere recently stated his desire to score more goals, which implied he fancied playing in a more advanced role.
What does that mean for Declan Rice?
The fact that Pellegrini views Wilshere as more of a defensive midfielder could well spell trouble for up and coming teenager Declan Rice.
Having invested in two new centre-backs this summer, there is a strong likelihood that Rice could be used more as a holding midfielder this term, and that was something excercised by Pellegrini against Liverpool, before he was substituted at half time.
Rice could be in danger of losing his starting berth, with Mark Noble arguably unlikely to be dropped being captain.
Pellegrini’s intentions will certainly all become clear as news of his next starting XI filters through on Saturday; whether Rice will be handed another chance in a ‘nicer’ fixture at home to Bournemouth remains to be seen.
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