West Ham United earned a vital three points away at Crystal Palace last night and Declan Rice was once again absolutely brilliant for David Moyes’s side.
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At the tender age of 22, the England international has already established himself as the Hammers’ most important player.
We are so lucky to have him at the London Stadium.
Rice was superb last season but he has reached even higher levels this term.
He has taken on more responsibility too. The brilliant young midfielder has captained West Ham this season when Mark Noble has been absent from the starting XI.
Even before that, Rice was always a real leader on the pitch. And now, the extra responsibility seems to have made him a better all-round player.
West Ham hero Declan Rice enjoying superb season
After Craig Dawson put us 3-1 up at Selhurst Park last night, the Hammers players gathered together in celebration.
As the celebrations went on, Rice approached his teammates, barking out orders. It was clearly visible that the 22-year-old was urging his teammates not to drop their levels just because they had a two-goal advantage.
It is incredible to think that Rice is just 22.
The West Ham owners really must do everything they can to keep the 13-capped international at the London Stadium for the long-term. If we are to make genuine progress as a club, keeping hold of Rice will be of paramount importance.
Give him a new six-year deal now! Make him club captain and pay him whatever he wants. He’s worth it.
And Rice’s reaction to Craig Dawson’s goal last night proves just how important he is to West Ham United.
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