West Ham got the ball rolling at Goodison Park this afternoon, claiming a 3-1 win over Everton.
The Hammers put in a great shift and emerged victorious with several players in contention for the man of the match award.
Among them was youngster Declan Rice. A few questioned whether it was time to get him back in the team.
The 19-year-old is deciding whether to play for the Republic of Ireland or England. This is a debate which has been widely discussed in the mainstream media.
But the talented teenager brushed off any concerns that he was not up for the game mentally by putting in a top display.

Antalya , Turkey – 22 March 2018; Manager Martin O’Neill and Declan Rice during a Republic of Ireland training session at Antalya Stadium in Antalya, Turkey. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Rice was assured in midfield, sitting in front of the back four and providing great protection.
At such a young age, he is confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. Also, he can read the game well and hit a range of passes.
Many West Ham fans considered him to be man of the match. Here are a few tweets in reaction to his performance.
Give Declan rice 30k a week geezer is mustard
— Harry (@Jones6695) September 16, 2018
@_DeclanRice well played today mate. Next Roy Keane 😉
— Nathan Warner (@NathanPatrick84) September 16, 2018
If you say anyone other than rice you weren’t watching the game
— Tom🇺🇦 (@tomwhu13) September 16, 2018
@_DeclanRice ALL DAY LONG #COYI https://t.co/ORK4vur6m4
— mark gevaux (@theribman) September 16, 2018
Sorry Arnie……….Declan Rice was easily MOTM
— Ray (@bonzoRay) September 16, 2018
Declan Rice is England's best holding midfielder
— Louie Wansell WHU (@LouieWansell82) September 16, 2018
Declan Rice. Talk about mature head on young shoulders. Just gets better.
— Aki (@Parishenko) September 16, 2018
@_DeclanRice you should be proud of yourself young man. A solid performance. Keep it up mate ⚒
— Kevin Slade (SD&CC) (@KevinSladeSDCC) September 16, 2018