Best in Europe honour for Declan Rice after 100th West Ham appearance

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West Ham United star Declan Rice has been named ina European elite XI after his performance against Southampton.

West Ham fans already know they have a top player in Rice but the midfield enforcer continues to face doubters in the wider football fraternity.

The spotlight has been on Rice ever since his switch of allegiance from Ireland to England.

The 21-year-old midfielder made his 100th appearance for West Ham against the Saints and shone once again as David Moyes’s side secured a vital 3-1 win.

Best in Europe Rice rewarded

And Rice was rewarded this week when he was named in Whoscored.com’s European 21 and under team of the week.

Whoscored.com – the largest detailed football statistics website which is powered by Opta data – puts together its team of the week based on a host of information.

Rice was adjudged to be the best in his position for his age in all of Europe’s top five leagues.

He received a score of 7.70, taking his place in central midfield alongside Mainz’s Ridle Baku.

Trolls busted once again

Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Norwich City’s right back Max Aarrons were the only other Premier League players in the side.

Rice was joined by PSG star Kylian Mbappe in the team.

Cynics and social media trolls have suggested Rice is overhyped by West Ham fans and the media.

But statistics continue to prove Rice is one of the best in the business across Europe.

Last season the homegrown Hammer made more tackles and more interceptions than any other midfielder under the age of 21 in Europe’s top five leagues.

And he was the second best player in his position in the Premier League too behind only Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi as he won possession 288 times for West Ham.

Rice right to be recognised despite West Ham struggles

His continued superb form is right to be recognised despite West Ham’s struggles this season.

It marked a double success for West Ham after Whoscored.com named Rice’s teammate Sebastien Haller as their Premier League player of the week giving him a near perfect score of 9.68/10.

West Ham new boy Jarrod Bowen was also in the mix. The attacker notched a superb goal on his full debut and registered a score of 8.53 to take a place in the top five players of the week.

If they stay up the big question in the summer for West Ham will be can they keep Rice?