Hammers captain Declan Rice has responded to fan criticism over his body language towards his West Ham teammates.
Rice may regularly be one of West Ham’s top performers but questions marks have been raised over his leadership qualities.
West Ham are languishing one place outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference and manager David Moyes is fighting for his job.
Rice upset some Hammers fans when he used an England press conference at the World Cup to discuss his ambitions to play for a club competing regularly in the Champions League.
That has cast a spotlight on him since his return from Qatar as many fans, justifiably, wondered how he could lead the team having effectively made it clear he wants to leave the club.
Rice has carried West Ham on his shoulders too many times to mention over the last three years.
But his demeanour on the pitch when things are not going well has been noted by supporters and pundits.
Rice is often seen looking disconsolate, shaking his head and throwing his hands up.
Many fans feel his gestures will be having a negative impact.
Declan Rice responds to fan criticism over body language towards his West Ham teammates
Now Rice has responded to fan criticism over his body language towards his West Ham teammates.
Responding to a fan Rice denied he is throwing his hands up at his fellow players but rather decisions on the pitch.
“I don’t throw my hands at anyone or would ever throw my hands at my teammates,” Rice said on social media.
“I throw my hands at decisions on a football pitch, I’m passionate and care, it it was at my teammates it would be because I know we can be better. Stop assuming.”
It simply must be remembered that Rice is the youngest captain in the entire Premier League.
And in many ways he is still learning on the job with West Ham.
With Mark Noble returning to the club this week, Rice will undoubtedly be able to lean on the former skipper as he has done throughout his young career so far.
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