West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini shouldn’t be put off handing Declan Rice another chance to play as a holding midfielder.
The Chilean hooked the Republic of Ireland international at half time in the game with Liverpool on Sunday and replaced him with the more attacking Robert Snodgrass as he changed system.
People have high hopes for Rice this season, and many are keen to see him operate as a defensive midfielder following the arrivals of Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena in defence.
Pellegrini pleased the Hammers faithful with his team selection on Sunday with Rice indeed getting the nod alongside Mark Noble, but he was made to look out of his depth by the rampant hosts.
There is no shame in that though. There is arguably no tougher opening day fixture than Liverpool at Anfield, and Rice was pulled all over the place by the likes of Naby Keita, Gini Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah.
Even seasoned holding midfielders have struggled and will continue to struggle against such players, who are excellent at pressing, and equally as good in possession.
It was a tough day at the office for Rice, but surely Pellegrini will not decide the 19-year-old is unfit for the role based off that one 45-minute showing – Bournemouth at the weekend, for example, would be a much better opportunity for the starlet, and he should get another chance.
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